By Morgan Sheeder | Times Vedette
On Sunday, May 24, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 124 will be distributing poppies at the four-way stop in Guthrie Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The American Legion adopted the poppy as its official memorial flower in 1920. During World War One, the devasted landscape yielded bright red poppies, signifying the hope and sacrifice of soldiers.
In 1924, the Legion created a national poppy program to raise funds for those directly affected by war. Today, poppies are handed out by Legion units the Friday before Memorial Day, dubbed National Poppy Day, in exchange for donations. All proceeds support programs assisting veterans and military families.
Poppies will be available at the Guthrie Center Memorial Day service at 10 a.m., at the Veteran’s Memorial on the Courthouse lawn.
The Panora VFW/Sons of the American Legion will be distributing poppies on Memorial Day at 10 a.m. inside Veterans Auditorium during their service and Flag Dedication.