Poppies and the impact we’re making

By Hope Wilson, Poppy Chairman
Department of Minnesota Executive Committee after the Spring DEC meeting at Bloomington Post 550 on March 14. Back row from left are Parliamentarian Norma Tramm, Treasurer and Past President Judy Ackerman, 3rd District President Ann Bovy, 1st District President Wanda Prescher, 10th District President Brandi Christensen, 6th Distrist President Wendy Grittner, 9th District President Denise Milton, 7th District President Mary Kuperus, NEC Jean Walker, Secretary Christie Avant. Front row from left are 2nd District President Kristen Donnelly, 5th District President Becky Nelson, President Robin Dorf, 1st Vice President Linda Kelly, 8th District President Tamara Martin, 4th District President Sandy Gibson.

In 2024, the Department ordered 135,400 poppies. So far this year, only 100,900 poppies have been ordered. This significant decrease is due to Units ordering kits and making poppies for their own use. The best news? NO poppies were purchased from outside departments this year.

The Department is excited to continue encouraging individuals, units and districts to create poppies year-round, strengthening our mission and supporting our veterans.

Poppies Made for Department by Districts as of March 14:

Small Poppies
• District 1: 1,000 poppies
• District 2: 2,000 poppies
• District 3: 23,793 poppies + 5,250 made during Palooza’s
• District 5: 5,775 poppies
• District 6: 25,725 poppies + 1,275 made during Palooza’s
• District 7: 17,500 poppies + 3,000 made during Palooza’s
• District 9: Palooza to be held May 16
• District 10: 1,000 poppies

Large Poppies
• District 2: 84 dozen (1008) poppies
• District 3: 296 dozen (3552) poppies

Total poppies: 89,318 small poppies, plus 4,560 large poppies (380 dozen)

Lace up your running shoes and support National Poppy Day

To honor those who have served and died for the United States, The American Legion Family petitioned Congress for National Poppy Day. Celebrated Friday prior to Memorial Day, the Legion Family honors the sacrifices of our servicemembers and veterans by wearing a red poppy. The poppy has been recognized and worn by Americans as a symbol of sacrifice since World War I.

National Poppy Day is May 22 this year. Leading up to this significant day, a virtual 5K will happen throughout May to raise awareness and support. Keep a lookout on ALA National Headquarters’ social media for more information. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @ALAforVeterans.

Poppy Contest for 2026

“250th Celebrate the USA”
To be judged at the 107th Department Convention

Contest 1 – Craft Project
Celebrate 250 years in “Poppies” without using the American Legion Auxiliary Poppies.
The words Celebration, Freedom and Sacrifice are your inspirational words.
• Find a creative way to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the USA without using the crepe paper poppy.
This can be done in any number of ways.
• Diamond art, paint, yarn, popcorn, etc. use your imagination.

Contest 2 – Wearable “Honor Flight” wear
In 2025-26 our Minnesota Project this year is Honor Flights.
• Your challenge will be to use the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy to create an item that could be worn on an Honor Flight.
This can be done in any number of ways.
• Hats, scarves, sashes or possibly a piece of wearable jewelry i.e.. Bracelet, broach, veteran pin. etc. The sky is your limit.
1st Place: $20
2nd Place: $15
3rd Place: $10
People’s Choice: $20, with funds going toward the President’s Project of Honor Flights
Poppy entries must be brought to the Department Convention at Willmar Conference Center by Friday, July 10, at 10 a.m.