By Grace Wyant
Ironwood City Reporter
The delegates of Arizona Girls State may have wondered about the connection between the poppy making kit they were given earlier in the week.
They may have not understood it as a symbol of the American Legion. In this article, we’re going to take a quick dive into the roots and symbolism of the poppy.
The poppy became associated with remembrance after World War I. Bright red poppies grew on battlefields in Europe where many soldiers had fought and died, and the blood-like appearance inspired people to use the flower as a symbol of sacrifice and memory.
The symbol gained popularity through the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Canadian military physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem described poppies growing among the graves of fallen soldiers and helped establish the flower as a lasting reminder of those who had served.
The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary later adopted the poppy as a symbol of support for veterans and military families. The poppies are often distributed before Memorial Day, and the donations that are received in return help fund programs that assist veterans and their communities.
The poppy continues to serve an important role in remembering and honoring those that have been lost, or who served.