If you were out and about in stores last Friday or Saturday, you likely saw people distributing red poppies. Maybe you wondered why. Well, members of The American Legion Family distribute these red poppies each year and request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.
Why a red poppy? The story goes that the red poppy symbolizes the blood shed during battle. It was inspired by the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields,” which was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae while serving on the front lines. On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion Family to memorialize soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
My father, a veteran of the Korean War, made it a point to donate for these poppies every year and hand them out to family and friends, including me. Most years, after Memorial Day, he would pin one to the sun visor in his car as a continual reminder of those who served and died for our country.
If you wore a poppy and gave a donation, I thank you on behalf of the American Legion and veterans everywhere. Admittedly, I have not been as diligent about seeking these out each year as Dad was, but I did this year and will continue the tradition from this point forward. In fact, starting tomorrow, you will even find one pinned on the sun visor in my truck.
Enjoy your Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305 | 
