Why Veterans Are Selling Red Poppies Outside Your Grocery Store: The Powerful Story Behind the Symbol

Have you ever wondered why the men from the VFW, many of whom are Marine Veterans, are standing outside your local grocery store selling red poppies in the lead up to Memorial Day weekend? The red poppy is more than just a flower; it’s a symbol of remembrance and sacrifice, deeply embedded in military history. Its roots can be traced back to World War I, where it came to symbolize the lives lost during the Great War. The poppy’s association with military remembrance remains significant today, especially in honoring those who have served, including the United States Marine Corps.

The poppy’s significance dates back to the poem In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, written in 1915. After witnessing the devastation of the battlefield, McCrae wrote about the poppies that grew among the graves of soldiers in Flanders. The poem’s imagery—”In Flanders fields the poppies blow, Between the crosses, row on row”—captured the contrast between life and death, and it became a symbol of remembrance.

In 1918, American professor Moina Michael was inspired by McCrae’s words and began wearing a red poppy to honor the fallen. She sold poppies to raise funds for veterans, and her efforts led to the establishment of “Poppy Days,” a tradition that continues today.

Although the red poppy is more commonly associated with Commonwealth countries, it has also found its place in the United States, including within the Marine Corps. While the Corps does not have a direct tradition of distributing poppies, the symbol is still recognized as a tribute to the sacrifices of military personnel. Marines, like many service members, wear the poppy as a sign of respect for those who have given their lives in service.

The red poppy also holds significance in the Marine Corps’ commitment to honoring fallen comrades. In 2020, the U.S. Marines highlighted the role of the poppy in remembering the sacrifices of World War I veterans, acknowledging that it represents both the past and the ongoing commitment of military personnel.

Today, National Poppy Day is observed in the U.S. on the Friday before Memorial Day. Citizens are encouraged to wear poppies as a sign of remembrance, and while the practice isn’t as widespread as in other nations, the symbolism is still deeply meaningful to many, especially veterans and service members.

The red poppy is more than a flower—it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel, including those in the U.S. Marine Corps. It’s a symbol that transcends time, connecting us to the brave men and women who have given everything for our country’s freedom. As Memorial Day approaches, the red poppy continues to stand as a tribute to their enduring legacy.