Poppies

National Poppy Day is May 25th, a day of remembrance.

After World War I, The poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed 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. It has since become the memorial flower of the American Legion Family.

As Poppy Chairman for your Unit and/or District, we are the first step to the success of this program. Your ability to communicate with your District and Units will be key to supporting the Poppy Program and the many Veterans we support.

What we do:

• Promote Poppy ambassadors among your ALA Juniors and young Sons of The American Legion. Resources: https://member.legion-aux.org/member/committees/poppy.
• Promote the ALA’s Poppy Program. Wear a poppy when you are out in public to promote conversation and interest among non-members. Educate your community about how funds collected help veterans, servicemembers, and their families. Resources:
  https://member.legion-aux.org/member/committees/poppy
  https://emblem.legion.org/Poppy-Program/products/746/
• Understand the meaning and history of the Poppy. Learn the history of the Poppy Poem “In Flanders Fields” and teach it to other members, especially Juniors. Visit your local library or search online for the history of Moina Michael and how she came to known as The Poppy Lady.

Enjoy your chairmanship.