By Payton Tholstrup

May 24th is National Poppy Day. Members of the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #101 will distribute poppies beginning at 6 a.m. at Tasty Pastry and 7 a.m. at Ray’s Apple Market in Clay Center.

The poppies will be distributed in exchange for a donation. The red poppy symbolizes the bloodshed and sacrifices that were made in World War I. It became the official flower of the American Legion in the 1920s. Now, National Poppy Day takes place every year on the Friday before Memorial Day.

The American Legion raises millions of dollars each year by distributing poppies throughout the nation. 100% of the funds donated go directly towards helping veterans, the military, and their families.