American Legion Jordan-Duncan Post 15 Auxiliary
Poppy Program
History and Tradition
After the end of World War I, the American Legion was searching for a meaningful way to honor the fallen and support the living. They found inspiration in a simple red flower—the poppy. The idea stemmed from the poignant words of the poem "In Flanders Fields," which described how poppies bloomed among the graves of soldiers lost in battle.
In 1920, the American Legion adopted the poppy as a national symbol of remembrance. It wasn’t just a gesture of honor—it became a mission. By 1924, the Legion had launched the official Poppy Program, not only to commemorate those who had died in service, but to provide a source of hope and healing for those who returned home wounded. Veterans were employed to handcraft paper poppies, giving them both purpose and income during a difficult time.
Each year, especially around Memorial Day, members of the American Legion and its Auxiliary distribute these handmade poppies to the public. Though the flowers are given freely, donations are encouraged. These contributions go directly to supporting veteran programs—providing medical care, housing, and assistance to those who served and their families.
Today, the poppy remains a powerful symbol in the hands of the American Legion—a reminder of sacrifice, service, and the enduring promise to never forget.
In Flanders Fields
By John McCrea
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 fields.
Our Modern Solution to a Timeless Tradition
The American Legion has faced a shortage of traditional paper poppies in recent years due to several factors. Fewer veterans are available or willing to make them, and red crepe paper has become harder to source. To adapt, the Legion passed a resolution allowing poppies to be assembled by volunteers or made by commercial vendors, though only veteran-made poppies can be labeled as such.
To keep the tradition alive, the American Legion Auxiliary has also encouraged creative alternatives using materials like felt or fabric. Despite the challenges, the Poppy Program continues to honor fallen heroes and raise vital funds for veteran support.
To help address the paper poppy shortage while continuing to honor our veterans and raise support, Unit 15 Auxiliary has introduced a lasting alternative: a small enamel poppy pin. These pins serve the same symbolic purpose as the traditional paper poppies and are offered in exchange for a donation. Not only do they help sustain our fundraising efforts, but they also provide a durable, meaningful way for supporters to proudly display their commitment to remembering those who served.
For More Information or to make a donation, contact Sharna Richardson at hats522@hotmail.com