A bloody battle was fought during World War I in the region of France called Flanders, an area that was completely decimated. In the spring of 1919, the poppies still bloomed among the ruins and where the men had fallen in battle. Because of that, the poppy became a symbol of sacrifice of lives during the war and represented the hope that none had died in vain.
Today, handmade paper poppies are worn or displayed during the month of May to honor the sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. Last year, Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat declared May 2012 as “Poppy Month.”
This year, donation cans will be located at businesses throughout the community and at The American Legion Post 4 located at 2124 County Road 54G near LaPorte or visit our Poppy Booths in Fort Collins between 10 a.m to 2 p.m. on the following days:
May 4 – North College Albertsons
May 11 – North College King Soopers
May 18 – Timberline/Drake King Soopers
More than 25 million poppies are made by veterans and distributed by the American Legion Auxiliary each year. All profits are used for veterans and their families, with 75 percent of the proceeds staying right here in our community.