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May 28, 2022
National Poppy Day – a symbol of sacrifice
By Julie Baker
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 157, Bandera
Many people may not know what a poppy flower is, much less what it symbolizes. The poppy flower is a symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since WWII to honor the fallen reminding us all the sacrifices our veterans have made while protecting our freedoms.
In the early 19th Century, after the Napoleonic wars, the land was left desolate and infertile. Magically, red poppy flowers grew around the bodies of the fallen soldiers. In 1914, when WW1 began and fighting broke out in France, after the war, the only plants to regrow were the poppy flowers.
Many countries around the world carry a tradition to wear poppy flowers on Nov. 11 to commemorate Remembrance Day or Armistice Day however, in the United States Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day, so we wear the red poppy on Memorial Day as tradition to honor and remember those who died in military service.
There will be distribution donation displays at many of the Bandera stores on Main Street during Memorial weekend. Just look for the American Legion Auxiliary ladies on the streets distributing poppies during the parade and celebration.
Donations for the poppies will be used for the scholarship fund helping to send veteran’s sons/daughters/grandchildren to college or trade school.
In the early 19th Century, after the Napoleonic wars, the land was left desolate and infertile. Magically, red poppy flowers grew around the bodies of the fallen soldiers. In 1914, when WW1 began and fighting broke out in France, after the war, the only plants to regrow were the poppy flowers.
Many countries around the world carry a tradition to wear poppy flowers on Nov. 11 to commemorate Remembrance Day or Armistice Day however, in the United States Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day, so we wear the red poppy on Memorial Day as tradition to honor and remember those who died in military service.
There will be distribution donation displays at many of the Bandera stores on Main Street during Memorial weekend. Just look for the American Legion Auxiliary ladies on the streets distributing poppies during the parade and celebration.
Donations for the poppies will be used for the scholarship fund helping to send veteran’s sons/daughters/grandchildren to college or trade school.