Members of Kingfisher’s American Legion Auxiliary are once again encouraging citizens to honor fallen veterans ahead of National Poppy Day.

As National Poppy Day is Friday, May 28, this year, members of the auxiliary will be visiting local merchants distributing the bright red poppies in exchange for donations.

“We always encourage everyone to wear them for Memorial weekend,” said Roxie Alexander, auxiliary member.

She’ll be joined Monday by Bonnie Armstrong and Carol Kooken in distributing the poppies.

Distribution will also continue Tuesday, said Alexander, and poppies will be available at the Kingfisher Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31.

The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain.

The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.

“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said ALA Department President Jody Chisolm.

“We must never forget.”

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crepe paper flowers.

Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans.

When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror.

The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.