Imagine a field of glorious red poppies. Then think of what it must have been like for the men who fought there to see the once blood soaked battlefield ablaze with color. The poem “On Flander’s Field” written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, was inspired by this memory. After hearing this poem, Moina Michael’s response was, “The blood of heroes never dies, but lends a luster to the red of the flower that blooms above the dead in Flander’s Field.” This is the origin of the poppies for Veterans.

In 1918, Moina Michael bought a bouquet of poppies and distributed them to businessmen who came to the YMCA where she worked. She asked them to wear them as a tribute to the fallen men of war. The American Legion adopted the poppy as a symbol of sacrifice and service in September 1921.

The poppies are hand made by veterans as part of their rehabilitation. All donations to the poppy fund likewise go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our community.

Veteran’s Day honors those who protect our way of life. Some who died, some who were wounded, and some who never truly came home from war. All were changed.

They gave some or all of their lives so we could enjoy our freedom. To show our respect and support, imagine a field of poppies on the citizens of our town. Imagine how that will make our veterans and active military feel to see a town full of red poppies worn with pride.

The American Legion Auxiliary will be offering poppies for donations on Nov. 7, 2014. Please get yours and wear it with pride on Nov. 11, 2014.

Lola Hanson

American Legion Auxiliary Chaplin