Memorial Day is certainly the most solemn of America’s holidays, meant to honor those that died in wars.  The enduring symbol of that sacrifice is the humble red poppy.

The American Legion was the first organization to adopt the poppy as it’s Memorial Flower, in 1920, just years after World War I.  The American Legion Auxiliary did the same in 1921.

Since then, poppy sales through the Auxiliary have generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for needy and disabled service members for making the poppies.  Today, funds raised support rehabilitation for honorably discharged service members and assist in the welfare of veterans’ families.

Ms. Karen Perkins is the President of the American Legion Auxiliary/Unit 145 in Leesville.  She urges you to wear a red poppy and show your support.  You can give poppies to friends and co-workers.  Contact her for poppies at American Legion Post 145 at 337-238-2606.  Pay tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Wear that red poppy!

IN FLANDERS FIELDS is a poem by LTC John McRae, who tended those injured in battle in WW I, following the Battle of Ypres in Belgium.

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow, between the crosses, row on row, that mark our place; and in the sky, the larks still bravely singing, fly scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead, short days ago we lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, loved and were loved, and now we lie, in Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: to you from failing hands we throw the torch; be yours to hold it high.  If ye break faith with us who die we shall not sleep, though poppies grow in Flanders Field.