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

Flanders Field American Cemetery is the only World War I American military cemetery located in Belgium. The 6.2-acre cemetery in western Belgium holds the graves of 368 American dead from the Great War. Their headstones are aligned in four symmetrical areas around the white stone chapel that stands in the center of the cemetery. Inside are the engraved names of 43 service members missing in action. Graceful trees and shrubbery frame the burial area and screen it from passing traffic. At the ends

On #ThisDayInHistory 1915: the poem “In Flanders Fields” was written by Canadian soldier and physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write the poem after attending the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier who died in the Second Battle of Ypres. | HISTORY