American Legion Auxiliary Unit 178 members, (L-R) Tracy Gamble and Virginia Mendlik, greeted shoppers with poppies in 2020 at the Frisco Lowe’s Home Improvement.
After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Its growth was attributed to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by World War I. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battles 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.
The poppy became the official flower of The American Legion on September 22, 1920 to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during World War I. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans. This year the American Legion Auxiliary will continue to bring attention to this symbolic flower by calling upon all Americans to honor the fallen and support the living on National Poppy Day, May 28,2021.
Since 2015 Auxiliary Unit 178 has distributed poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.
On Saturday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. members of Auxiliary Unit 178 will distribute poppies at Lowe’s Home Improvement at 3360 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75034.
On National Poppy Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.