Do You Know Why the Poppy is a Memorial Day Symbol?

The Poppy flower has long been associated with Memorial Day. Do you know why? The history is actually pretty interesting. The connection between the poppy and remembrance of our war heroes goes back to the First World War.

As the soils of France and Belgium became enriched with lime from the rubble due to the war’s destruction, the red corn poppy flowers grew abundantly, especially around the graves of buried soldiers. A Canadian doctor serving in the medical corps at the front, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, noticed this phenomenon and captured it in the poem “In Flanders Fields” that he was inspired to write after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow officer.

Upon the poem’s London publication in 1915, the poppy flower became popular in Britain as a symbol of the lives lost and the sacrifices made. In 1920, The American Legion adopted the poppy as the official flower to commemorate those who died in the war. The Remembrance Poppy is not, however, an exclusively British or American tradition.

Countries around the world celebrate Poppy Day. The American Legion brought the tradition to the U.S. designating the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day. While it may seem like a small gesture, this is a great way to honor our military. Don’t forget on May 28, to wear a red poppy to honor the fallen.

Of course, we are big supporters of our military veterans. We are committed to giving back to those who gave the most, which is why we support The Greatest Generation Benefits Act. Unfortunately, many older Americans need help. The good news is, this new legislation could be life-changing. Learn more and sign our petition here.