Local Legion Auxiliary members have been seen around the community distributing red poppies in preparation for National Poppy Day. 

Poppy Day is the Friday before Memorial Day every year. On this day, American citizens are encouraged to wear a red poppy in honor of the veterans who gave their lives protecting the country. 

“In Flanders Fields” is a poem written by Canadian officer and surgeon John McCrae. The poem was about poppies which began to grow up over the graves on Flanders Field. Now, Poppy Day is celebrated across the world. 

The American Legion has recognized Poppy Day since 1920, but it was officially designated by congress only recently in 2017. According to Kathy Poslusny, President of the Big Lake Legion Auxiliary, the poppies that are handed out are all made by hand by veterans. The poppies are distributed for free, but freewill donations are accepted and will go to directly benefit veterans programs. 

Across Minnesota, Legion Auxiliary members distribute poppies in preparation for the Friday before Poppy Day. 

Bev Grose is this year’s sixth district poppy chairman for the auxiliary. She oversees the poppy distribution for a wide area of Central Minnesota, including Sherburne County. She stated that everyone is invited to participate in Poppy Day, it’s not just for former militaries and their families. Poppies have been worn by Americans in remembrance of fallen vets since World War I. 

Shelly Alger-Peyton of the Clear Lake Legion Auxiliary stated, “National Poppy Day is more than a tradition or symbol. It’s a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom and the strength of collective memory. To me, it represents gratitude for the sacrifices made by service members who put their lives on the line…”

Grose recommended reading “In Flanders Fields,” as well as a response poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith” by Moina Micheal, who was known as the “Poppy Lady” who founded Americans’ poppy-wearing tradition.