National Poppy Day Distribution Today at Fleet Farm and Service Food 9 to 5

In what is an annual tradition, the American Legion Auxiliary will be distributing poppies today (Friday) in Fergus Falls, at Fleet Farm and Service Food from 9-5.

If you’ve wondered how the poppy became a symbol of Word War 1.  According to the American Legion the after the war the poppy flourished in Europe, due to the soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war.  From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy.

The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem” In Flanders Fields.” (See below) The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

Then on September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war.

In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of the American Legion.

“In Flanders Fields” by Lt Colonel John McCrae M.D.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.