Poppy Day marked here on May 19

A poem called "In Flanders Fields" inspired Poppy Day.

The poem was written by Col. John McCrae, a World War II Canadian medical officer in May 1915 when he assisted in the burial of his friend in Flanders Fields. He wanted to honor not only his friend but all who gave their lives in battle. "In Flanders Fields" gave birth to the poppy as the universal symbol of veterans. In October 1921, the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as its memorial flower and has made May known as "Poppy Month."

Members of the Alderton-Dawson American Legion Auxiliary Unit 60 of Berkeley Springs will distribute poppies on May 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of Food Lion.

The poppies are made by veterans at V.A. Medical Centers and poppy workshops throughout the United States. Contributions received are used only to help servicemen and women and their families.

"Accept a poppy. Wear it with it with pride in memory of those who have given their lives in all wars so we may live in America, the home of the free and the brave. Wearing the poppy is one of the many ways we all can help our veterans and the ones now serving in our armed forces," said Eric Dods, publicity chairman for the local Poppy Month campaign.