National Poppy Day Celebrates Veterans
National Poppy Day Celebrates Veterans
National Poppy Day was created by the American Legion Family on September 27,1923, in Cleveland, OH, to celebrate the nation’s fallen and living veterans. Organizers asked Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which is Friday, May 23.
The red poppy was chosen as it symbolized the sacrifice by those who fought and those who have fallen in all wars. The poppies seemed to flourish all over Europe after WWI, leading people to use the flower as a memorial.
The tradition of wearing the poppies itself originated with the poem In Flanders Fields.
To celebrate, the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary annually distribute the poppies to be worn. The members request that the person receiving the flower make a donation. Proceeds go to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.
What the public can do to celebrate is create the poppies, become more educated on the day and wear poppies.
Karen Layher, who has been a representative for the American Legion Auxiliary for 30 years, says they honor the occasion by setting up tables to distribute poppies in businesses. Members encourage and remember military by wearing lots of red, white and blue.
The poppies given out are made by veterans at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Hot Springs.
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military and their families, both at home and abroad.
