The Poppy Story | The American Legion (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind the American Legion poppies? ›

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.

It is strongly linked with Armistice Day (11 November), but the poppy's origin as a popular symbol of remembrance lies in the landscapes of the First World War. Poppies were a common sight, especially on the Western Front. They flourished in the soil churned up by the fighting and shelling.

Example: The American Legion Family will be distributing poppies at [LOCATION] on [DATE] from [TIME]. The red poppy is worn to honor our fallen servicemembers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. National Poppy Day® is Friday, May 27, 2022.

The red poppy, a native plant along much of the Western Front during the First World War, has become a powerful symbol of remembrance. It is the principal emblem of the Royal Canadian Legion, which distributes several million each year to be worn by Canadians on Remembrance Day.

Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a well-known and well-established symbol, one that carries a wealth of history and meaning with it.

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In ancient Greek mythology the characters of Hypnos, Nix and Thanatos all had the poppy as their sacred symbol, as did the Greek goddess Demeter and the Roman goddess Ceres. Even before this the Assyrians called the poppy 'daughter of the fields'.

Some people feel the red poppy has become too political, and that some politicians have used the powerful feelings it creates to justify war. Others refuse to wear poppies because they feel there is too much pressure put on people to wear them.

War, Parenthood, and Grief. “Poppies” addresses the anxieties and grief that parents face as they send their children to fight in war. It does so through an extended metaphor, comparing going to war to a more mundane kind of departure: a mother sending her child to school.

She vowed to wear a red poppy every day to promote remembrance of those who served in the war. The poppy soon became a recognized symbol of the war and its human cost. Allied propaganda posters used the poppy to recruit soldiers and encourage people to buy war bonds.

Why don't Americans wear poppies? ›

In the United States, however, the tradition has unfolded differently. We don't typically wear poppies on Veterans Day, since that time is set aside to honor all living veterans. Instead, we don a red poppy on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who have died fighting for our country.

Since 1922, the "Buddy”® Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW community. As VFW's official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates the VFW will not forget their sacrifices. The Poppy movement was inspired by Canadian Army Col.

In Christianity, the poppy represents the blood of Jesus and his resurrection and ascent to heaven. So while poppies have been associated with death, they also symbolize regeneration and eternal life.

The Legion has registered many variations of the Poppy image (lapel poppy, Poppy logo, symbols and flower) as trademarks and also has registered the trademark POPPY. The ensuing rights prevent unauthorized use, especially in the context of Veterans, remembrance and fund-raising for each trademark.

Sacrifice - In Christianity, the colour red poppy is often said to symbolise the blood of Christ on the cross. And, the poppy's association with World War I is also connected with sacrifice as is the Roman poet Virgil's mention of the flower in his poem Aeneid written around 25BC.

The artillery shells that churned up the soil and maimed and killed soldiers, brought not only Clostridia, the deadly bacteria to the surface, but also encouraged the proliferation and growth of the dormant poppy seeds that later in their beauty, bloomed in profusion on the barren, scarred land, even in the cemeteries.

The Royal Canadian Legion's Poppy Store offers a wide range of Poppy items to help Canadians honour and support Veterans year-round. All items have been approved through the Dominion Command Poppy and Remembrance Committee and proceeds from sales support Legion programs for Veterans and their families.

The Poppy should be worn with respect on the left side, over the heart. The Legion's lapel Poppy is a sacred symbol of Remembrance and should not be affixed with any pin that obstructs the Poppy.