The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields," written by Lt. Col. John McCrae while serving on the front lines. Listen as Past Natl Cdr Jake Comer recites "In Flanders Field." #PoppyDay | The American Legion National Headquarters

Another request came in for me to read the immortal war poem "In Flanders Fields" by the Canadian physician and Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, who served and died during WWI. The poem has always moved me, and I am once again happy to oblige. I also share the text here: In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn,