May is Poppy Month

The poppy as a memorial flower for the American dead is a tradition that began in the years following World War I. Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields,” made the poppy a living symbol of the sacrifices made by their dead comrades.

In 1920 the poppy was adopted as the national memorial flower of the American Legion. In 1924 it was realized that the poppy program would best be handled by women, and so the American Legion put the Legion Auxiliary in charge of the program. The Auxiliary has lived up to this great responsibility, and at present millions of Americans wear the Legion Auxiliary poppy in tribute to the war dead and the many veterans who serve their country. The money raised is used for many veteran projects.

The New Rockford Legion Auxiliary members are selling poppies here during the month of May, and we appreciate the support received from the community.

Eloise Lucht

American Legion Auxiliary

Poppy Chairperson