OUR PROGRAMS
1
POPPY PROGRAM
POPPY INTRODUCTION
The Poppy Program has been a cornerstone of the American Legion Auxiliary for close to a century and has continually evolved since its inception. With the recent expansion of The American Legion’s rules governing the Poppy Program, Auxiliary members have the opportunity to further expand the Poppy Program like never before. The following Guide is intended to assist every American Legion Auxiliary member in her efforts to promote awareness about the poppy’s significance as a patriotic symbol that honors our veterans and their families. This Guide offers answers to questions members often ask about the program and its intricacies.
The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in 1921, and, in 1924, in conjunction with The American Legion, instituted the national Poppy Program to protect the memorial poppy from becoming commercialized by outside interests. Each year, ALA volunteers distribute millions of poppies, most handmade, in exchange for contributions to assist active-duty military, veterans, and their families. The Auxiliary’s 9,000 units distribute poppies throughout the year, especially on veteran-related holidays. Auxiliary members promote the memorial poppy flower in other ways as well, such as the Miss Poppy Contest, Poppy Poster Contest, and Poppy craft projects. For more info on our Poppy Poster Contest click here.
Linda Green
ALA Unit 275 Poppy Chairperson
AMERICANISM
AMERICANISM PROGRAM
The Americanism Program promotes patriotism and responsible citizenship. To promote Americanism as American Legion Auxiliary members:
We should be knowledgeable on flag history, etiquette and proper disposal methods; and promote the observation of patriotic holidays so our community will look to the ALA for information.
We also encourage our members to vote and to support the amendment to protect the United States flag from desecration. The amendment currently reads, “The Congress shall have power to prohibit the physical desecration of the flag of the United States”.
2016-17 ESSAY CONTEST
Essay Title: "How does learning about government and our America help you become a future guardian of the liberties
of our country?"
We should encourage our Junior’s participation in the Americanism Essay Contest. More information to follow in October.
Americanism Committee
Chairperson Sonja Powell
Diane Clemmons
Regina Moore