Members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39, Madison plan to distribute bright red poppies in exchange for a donation throughout May.
This year’s National Poppy Day is Friday, May 27.
The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated in 2017, according to a news release from Unit 39.
The 2022 National Poppy Day is Friday, May 27. Submitted image
“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said American Legion Auxiliary Unit 39 President Karen Lytle. “We must never forget.”
The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.
When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100% of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.
The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Members also support the mission of the American Legion in improving the quality of life for the nation’s veterans. To learn more and to volunteer, join, and donate, visit alaforveterans.org or to join a local unit, contact Karen Lytle, president, American Legion Auxiliary, Tardiff-Belanger Unit 39, P.O. Box 325, Madison, ME 04950, karen.lytle364@gmail.com or 207-696-4445.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
