Poppy Day
By Josie Painter
On blood-drenched, barren battlefields, death dug his fingers into the earth, but beautiful, red poppies managed to slip through his fingers; they were a reminder of the price of freedom, of those who were lost, but more importantly, they were a symbol of hope in the midst of anguish. Every year, we proudly wear the poppies to remember and honor these sentiments.
The poppy became a symbol in the midst of WWI when it bloomed across the war zones of France. The blood red petals, the opium filled seeds, and the way they rose from the scarred fields exemplified the pain, sadness, and beauty of war. One woman saw the stunning symbolism and refused to let them be forgotten, so she spent her life making sure the soldiers and everything the poppy stood for were remembered.
Moina Michael, a staff member at the YMCA at Hamilton Hall in New York, where she comforted soldiers about to go overseas, began the tradition in 1918 after she read John McCrae’s poem, In Flanders Fields, according to a Behind Every Day article by Sheila Racinez. Inspired by McCrae and wanting to take action, Michael went to a store, bought red silk poppies, wore one, and handed out the rest. Every year after, poppies were distributed by the American Legion Auxiliary, each one worn in remembrance of a war, of everyone we lost, and everything we gained.
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 72 will be distributing the poppies in downtown Pierce and Casey’s on Thursday, May 21. The Friday before Memorial Day, which would be the 22nd, is nationally recognized Poppy Day; however, Pierce chooses Thursday because more people are able to participate. Donations can be made to the Legion Auxiliary and are always welcome. Remember to stop by and get a poppy, but also remember why it is worn.
