What Does The Poppy Mean?

What does the poppy mean?

The American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in 1921, and in 1924, instituted the National Poppy Program to protect the Memorial Poppy and ensuring that every Auxiliary Poppy is made by a disabled or hospitalized veteran.

Each year, volunteers from the American Legion Auxiliary and from the American Legion distribute more than 25-million red crepe-paper poppies in exchange for contributions to the poppy fund, and are used exclusively to assist and support veterans and their families.

Poppy making provides disabled veterans with a rehabilitation activity and a small personal income. The physical and mental activity of popy making provides therapeutic benefits to these veterans and all poppy-making materials are provided to them free of charge.

More than 9,500 Auxiliary units distribute poppies, usually on Poppy Days or on days of remembrance such as Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

So, on May 26, when you see someone on the streets with a handful of poppies, please remember this article and give generously to help a Veteran.

Phyllis Meier

President, Unit 110 Auxiliary