The window display at the Traer Historical Museum features an In Memoriam display made by members of Traer’s Legion Auxiliary. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

TRAER – After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower donate to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families with medical and financial needs.

Poppy Day will be celebrated locally by Traer’s American Legion Auxiliary Kubik-Finch Post 142 both this weekend and on Wednesday, May 22. As part of the unit’s poppy distribution this year, Little Miss Poppy – great-granddaughter of Auxiliary member Kathy Manful – will be visiting on May 22 while the Traer Historical Museum’s west front window currently features an ‘In Memoriam’ display designed by members of the Auxiliary.

On the Friday before Memorial Day, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.