Story of the American Legion Poppy

After World War 1, the poppy flourished in Europe.

In 1918, a woman named Moina Midhael asked Americans to always wear a poppy flower in memory of the war dead.

The poppy is worn to symbolize the sacrifices made by fallen service members.

“In Flanders Fields “is a war poem written during World War 1 by Canadian doctor Lt. Col. John McCrae to honor soldiers killed in battle. Veterans and volunteers handcraft the poppies to distribute in exchange for donations. The donations help veterans, military, and their families in our communities.

The poem:

In Flanders Fields

Lt. Col. John McCrae

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, sly

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 high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

This is a sad but very true poem as the doctor saw on the battlefields daily. How wonderful that the poppy lives on showing hope and promise.

Each school with grades 2-12 and including special needs students are invited to construct a poppy poster for competition. The information packets go to the schools this week.

American Legion Auxiliary

MISSION:

In the spirit of Service Not Self, the mission

of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support

The American Legion and honor the sacrifice

Of those who serve by enhancing the lives

Of our veterans, military, and their families,

Both at home and abroad,.

For God and country, we advocate for

Veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth,

And promote patriotism, good citizenship,

Peace and security.