Debbie Snapp
ECB Publishing, Inc.
National Poppy Day was brought to life when the American Legion requested that the United States Congress designate the Friday before Memorial Day as a special day of memory.
That day of memory, now known as National Poppy Day, symbolizes a time to remember those who have fallen while serving their country.
The name of the day was taken from the fact that after World War I, poppy flowers flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the sudden growth of the flowers to the rich soil in France and Belgium becoming enhanced with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt, mud and ravages of war, beautiful red poppies began to grow.
The red poppy came to symbolize the bloodshed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines. The poem reads:
In Flanders Fields
“In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.”
On September 27, 1920, the American Legion family announced that the poppy had become the official flower of memorializing the soldiers who fought and died during war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the futures of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.
Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world.
To make a poppy donation, contact the local Veterans of Wars Unit 251 at (850) 210-7090 or (850) 997-4504, or the American Legion Unit 49 at (850) 464-6257 or (850) 997-0901.
So, on Friday, May 22, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation's uniform.
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