Poppy Program

The purpose of the Poppy program is to connect the visual image of the poppy with servicemembers who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. In Virginia all poppies are handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation.

Units are key to promoting the Poppy Program through educating our members and our communities about the Poppy Program.

• Educate our communities on the meaning and history of the poppy.

• Promote the book, The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh, which tells the story of Moina Michaels and how the poppy came to be the flower of remembrance of the fallen.

• Promote the Poppy Poster Contest. Poppy Poster Contest rules are available at: https://www.legion-aux.org/National-Poppy-Poster-Contest .

• Units should be encouraged to identify a Little Miss Poppy; they must be ALAJunior members in good standing between 6 and 12 years of age. More information on National Little Miss Poppy Contest: https://member.legion-aux.org/Member/Awards/Little-Miss-Poppy-Contest

• Celebrate National Poppy Day® every Friday before Memorial Day.

Poppies are distributed – never sold – in exchange for donations that go directly for rehabilitation and welfare of veterans, welfare of their families, and in limited instance to assist military and their families.

Poppy distribution can occur at any time throughout the year, though most successful distributions align with patriotic holidays. This is a perfect opportunity for collaboration with the entire Legion Family, and involvement of Junior members and SAL youth.

Join the ALA Poppy Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ALAPoppy and check the National ALA website frequently for updates.

Important Dates:
December 1 – Mid-Year Reports due
February 1 – Last day for Poppy Orders to qualify for Meritorious Citation
April 15 – Year-End Reports Due
May 23 – National Poppy Day