In 1919, amidst complete devastation, the poppies bloomed in abundance on the battlefields of France, where so many of our men and women had fallen in battle.
    A replica of this poppy became the memorial flower of the American Legion Auxiliary. The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy and pledged to give all of the profits from the poppy distribution to the welfare of the servicemen and women and their families. The fund is now used for all veterans’ families.
    The red crepe paper memorial poppies are handmade by veterans at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.
    The public is given an opportunity each year to help in the significant work of the American Legion family, as well as an opportunity to pay tribute to all who died in service, as well as those that made it home safely, by wearing a poppy.
    Poppy Day will take place May 16 in Cresco.

- Submitted by Ann Scharnweber, president, American Legion Auxiliary