AUBURN, Mass. - Friday is National Poppy Day, the small red flowers are given out every year on the Friday before Memorial Day.
Post 279 American Legion Auxiliary's Cindy Gallant says there is a story behind the poppy movement. It was derived from the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae after he finished the battle of Ypres in 1915. It signifies the blood shed and lost by soldiers in battle. Gallant says after the war, the poppies grew all over Europe.
"The red poppy signifies in memory of those who have been lost in battle and that's what memorial day is about, the people that were lost in battle," Gallant said. "The American Legions took up the poppys, as did much of the world. It's a form of remembrance when you wear it you say you remember anyone whose life passed in service to our country."
As we head into the Memorial Day Weekend, Commander of Post 279, Richard Larson says it's important to remember the significance behind it.
"Please take a moment, reflect on those who gave their lives so we as Americans can live with the freedoms we all today," Larson said.
Gallant says if you're looking for poppys its best to call your local American Legion to see if they have some available.