The Poppy Program is one of the oldest and best loved traditions of the American Legion Auxiliary, an idea that began with one woman, Moina Michael, and her love and concern for returning World War I veterans.

During the first war to end all wars, poppies grew wild in Belgium even as war ravaged Europoe. The overturned soils of battle enabled the poppy seeds to be covered, thus allowing them to grow and forever serve as a reminder of the blood shed during that and future wars.

The poppy was adopted in 1920 by the American Legion and in 1921 by its auxiliary as their official memorial flower. The organizations encouraged the wearing of the poppy by all citizens on Memorial Day.

Today, that love and concern continues to live in the hearts of thousands of American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary volunteers. The little red poppy worn by Moina Michael so many years ago is a universally recognized symbol of the sacrifices of America’s veterans and a gift of gratitude to all who served, fought or died in service to their country over the past 90 years.

Each year during May and specifically on Memorial Day thousands of poppies are distributed to the public — never sold, though contributions are accepted gratefully. Funds go to rehabilitation and assistance for veterans, active-duty service personnel and their families.

So look for the little red flower with a heart: the Memorial poppy. And never forget the sacrifices made for us all, in ware and in peace.

This column by Patricia Keegan, president of the American Legion Auxiliary Turner Tinker, No.128 in Niantic, is adapted from a letter to the editor she sent to the Times. To submit a piece to the Kindness in Real Life editor, who is looking for stories about local charitable causes, email l.howard@theday.com.