The James McLean American Legion Post 181 Ladies auxiliary will join thousands of auxiliaries in the distributing of poppies on May 29.

Leora Davis, Poppy Day Chairman, said proceeds from the poppies will remain in the Scotland community to aid disabled veterans and their families.

Poppy Day was originated after the First World War and was celebrated as a memorial to the American War Dead, as well as a tribute to Disabled Service Men and Women. Soldiers returning from Europe, in 1918 were familiar with the wild poppies, which bloomed in the battlefields of France and Flanders. More than a half-million Americans died and nearly one million were wounded during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict.

Through the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program more than $300,000 is paid annually to needy and disabled veterans who make the Memorial Flowers. All funds from Poppy Day go directly to aid Disabled War Veterans and members of their families.

The Red Memorial poppy is the official flower of both the Legion and the Auxiliary.

By ‘Wearing a Poppy” on Poppy Day each American can honor the sacrifices made by our servicemen while assisting the living.