The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.”

November 9, 2017

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to 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.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

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. 

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family 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.

Each year, members of The American Legion family, led by the American Legion Auxiliary, distribute poppies with a 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.

Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. This year, The American Legion has brought National Poppy Day™ to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day.

On May 26, wear a red poppy to remember the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform. 

funeral homes Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 16, 2025
Funeral homes in Acworth, GA offer personalized funeral and cremation services, honoring every life with compassion, dignity, and attention to every detail.
cremation services Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 9, 2025
Compassionate cremation services Cartersville, GA. We offer clear, caring support for families during life’s most difficult moments.
funeral homes Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 2, 2025
Discover compassionate funeral services in Cartersville, GA. Let us help you honor your loved one’s life with care and dignity.
cremation services Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 26, 2025
Georgia Funeral Care offers compassionate support and resources to help families navigate loss through cremation services and other dedicated assistance.
funeral homes Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 19, 2025
Explore Georgia Funeral Care's sustainable practices for eco-friendly funerals. Learn how green choices can help preserve our planet for future generations.
cremation services Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 15, 2025
Discover the latest cremation services Acworth, GA trends including personalization, eco-options, and virtual tributes. Plan with peace of mind.
cremation services Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 12, 2025
Discover Georgia Funeral Care's modern memorial options that help create unique celebrations of life through innovative and personalized cremation services.
funeral homes Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 5, 2025
Discover how Georgia Funeral Care helps select caskets that reflect your loved one's unique personality. Learn personalization options and meaningful choices.
Cremation Services Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 28, 2025
Georgia Funeral Care crafts ceremonies that comfort and connect loved ones, integrating cremation services for meaningful memorials.
funeral homes in Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 21, 2025
Explore how Georgia Funeral Care creates lasting memories with personalized life celebrations, offering meaningful alternatives to traditional funerals.
cremation services Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 14, 2025
Explore how Georgia Funeral Care personalizes cremation services for a unique life celebration. Discover meaningful ways beyond traditional ceremonies.
funeral homes Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 7, 2025
Discover how Georgia Funeral Care assists in planning meaningful funerals that honor and reflect a life well-lived. Get expert advice on unique funeral planning.
Show More
funeral homes Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 16, 2025
Funeral homes in Acworth, GA offer personalized funeral and cremation services, honoring every life with compassion, dignity, and attention to every detail.
cremation services Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 9, 2025
Compassionate cremation services Cartersville, GA. We offer clear, caring support for families during life’s most difficult moments.
funeral homes Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care June 2, 2025
Discover compassionate funeral services in Cartersville, GA. Let us help you honor your loved one’s life with care and dignity.
cremation services Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 26, 2025
Georgia Funeral Care offers compassionate support and resources to help families navigate loss through cremation services and other dedicated assistance.
funeral homes Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 19, 2025
Explore Georgia Funeral Care's sustainable practices for eco-friendly funerals. Learn how green choices can help preserve our planet for future generations.
cremation services Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 15, 2025
Discover the latest cremation services Acworth, GA trends including personalization, eco-options, and virtual tributes. Plan with peace of mind.
cremation services Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 12, 2025
Discover Georgia Funeral Care's modern memorial options that help create unique celebrations of life through innovative and personalized cremation services.
funeral homes Acworth, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care May 5, 2025
Discover how Georgia Funeral Care helps select caskets that reflect your loved one's unique personality. Learn personalization options and meaningful choices.
Cremation Services Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 28, 2025
Georgia Funeral Care crafts ceremonies that comfort and connect loved ones, integrating cremation services for meaningful memorials.
funeral homes in Cartersville, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 21, 2025
Explore how Georgia Funeral Care creates lasting memories with personalized life celebrations, offering meaningful alternatives to traditional funerals.
cremation services Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 14, 2025
Explore how Georgia Funeral Care personalizes cremation services for a unique life celebration. Discover meaningful ways beyond traditional ceremonies.
funeral homes Kennesaw, GA
By Georgia Funeral Care April 7, 2025
Discover how Georgia Funeral Care assists in planning meaningful funerals that honor and reflect a life well-lived. Get expert advice on unique funeral planning.
Show More