Do you know the story behind the red poppy?

    For over 70 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored Poppy Day to remind America that millions have scarified their lives and health to keep our nation strong and free.     The poppy, which grew wild on the battlefields of Flanders, became, in the minds of the doughboys of World War I, a symbol of the sacrifice they had endured. It had flourished among the shelled buildings and bomb-scarred landscape. Its brilliant red bloom, so much like the blood that had been shed there, became a sign of hope and renewal for those who lived and walked away. For those who would never leave, those who had sacrificed their lives, it was a perpetual memorial to their bravery.
    American veterans brought home that image and planted it with the Auxiliary where it has bloomed every year for the benefit of those who served America. The Memorial Poppy contributions are devoted entirely to rehabilitation and assistance for veterans and their families. On behalf of America’s veterans, thank you for caring.
    The American Legion Auxiliary invites you to join us in our conscientious efforts for the community. If you are eligible to join, won’t you please contact a Unit near your home? You’ll find the American Legion Post listed in your telephone directory. Your membership is important to us and to the millions of veterans who need our help.
    If you are the mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of a member of the American Legion, you are eligible for membership. Others eligible for membership include the mother, wife, sister, daughter, grand-daughter of a man or woman who was killed or died while serving WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Lebanon, Panama or the Persian Gulf War. Also eligible are the mother, wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter or great-granddaughter of one of the wars who has died since honorable discharge from war service. You are eligible if you are a woman veteran of WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Grenada, Lebanon, Panama, or the Persian Gulf War during the eligibility period.
    The eligibility dates are as follows: World War I, April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918; World War II, December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946; Korean War, June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955; Vietnam War, February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975; Grenada/Lebanon, August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984; Panama, December 20, 1989 to July 31, 1990; Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 to Cessation of Hostilities.