Each year, the American Legion Auxiliary proudly conducts its Annual Poppy Drive to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The red memorial poppy became the official flower of The American Legion Family in 1920, inspired by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous World War I poem, In Flanders Fields. The poem described the brilliant red poppies that bloomed across the battlefields of Belgium and France among the graves of fallen soldiers, transforming the flower into an enduring symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, and hope.

Today, members of the American Legion Auxiliary distribute memorial poppies in exchange for voluntary donations. Every contribution directly supports veterans, active-duty service members, and their families through rehabilitation programs, financial assistance, and other veteran-centered initiatives. More than a fundraising effort, the Poppy Drive is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today were secured through the courage and sacrifice of those who served. By wearing a poppy, we honor their legacy and reaffirm our commitment to never forget.