WEST MILFORD — Poppy flowers adorned the battlefields of France during World War I, and were looked upon by military members as a living symbol of their fallen comrades’ sacrifices.
In 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war.
Around the Memorial Day and Veterans Day holidays, millions of the red crepe paper poppies are handmade by veterans whenever possible. The poppies are distributed by the American Legion Auxiliary in exchange for donations.
So this weekend, you will see members of the American Legion Auxiliary at various locations in town and walking in the parade on Monday, carrying the bright red poppies and donation cans. Feel free to help those veterans in need and their families.