For the Rapids City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – National Poppy Day is May 24, and to honor the day, members of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 520 will distribute bright red poppies in exchange for a donation outside local businesses.

The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.

ALA members will distribute poppies on May 24, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Walmart, Ace Hardware, and Quality Foods in Wisconsin Rapids.