Wear a poppy to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and support the
future of veterans, active-duty military and their families for generations to come.
WHEN: Friday, May 27, 2022; 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
WHERE: POPPY DISTRIBUTION SITES: 4 Leland locations: Piggly Wiggly, Shores Car Wash, Ace Hardware and Food Lion on Mount Misery Road, Leland
WHAT: Members of The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post #68, Leland, will be distributing poppies to the community for National Poppy Day®. Donations are appreciated. All donations will provide support for the future of veterans, active-duty military and their families with medical and financial needs.
WHY: By wearing a poppy on National Poppy Day®, we not only honor every servicemember who has died in the name of liberty, freedom and democracy, but we provide the opportunity to support veterans for generations to come. National Poppy Day® is an initiative supported by the entire American Legion Family, which includes The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Riders.
ABOUT: The American Legion designated the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day®. This designation adds to a tradition found in many countries around the world. National Poppy Day® encourages all Americans to wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living heroes who have worn our nation’s uniform. The poppy is also the memorial flower of The American Legion Family.
The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem In Flanders Fields written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. He wrote the poem while serving on the front line during World War I to honor soldiers killed in battle.
For many years, The American Legion Auxiliary has distributed poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support local veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.
About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with nearly
2 million members in 12,875 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919,
The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to service members and veterans. Learn more at www.legion.org.
About The American Legion Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission
of The American Legion. With nearly three-quarters of a million members, it is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $2 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in
1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, The American Legion Family has been instrumental
in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more and get involved, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
Anthony Schirillo
Public Affairs Officer
John E. Jacobs American Legion
Post #68, Leland, NC