Page 2 - Desert Lightning News, Nellis-Creech AFB Edition, May 27, 2022

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The Poppy Story
After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John Mc- Crae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Le- gion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program
of The American Legion. Led by the American Le- gion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flow- er make a donation to support the future of veterans, active- duty military personnel and their families with medical
and financial needs.
Poppy Day is celebrat-
ed in countries around the world. The American Legion brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day, as National Poppy Day.
On May 27, wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uni- form.
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by John McCrae
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.
John McCrae was born on Nov. 30, 1872. A Canadian doctor and teacher who served in World War I. He is best known for his memorial poem “In Flanders Fields.” He died on Jan. 28, 1918.
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Desert Lightning News Staff
Paul Kinison, Publisher, Aerotech News and Review Stuart Ibberson, Editor
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