The tradition of wearing a poppy dates back to 1920, when it became the memorial flower of The American Legion Family.

The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country following World War I. It was popularized by the publication of the wartime poem In Flanders Fields. Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines in World War I, the poem honors soldiers killed in battle.

The American Legion led the charge of having Congress designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day®, a tradition found in many countries around the world. National Poppy Day® encourages all Americans to wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living heroes who have worn our nation’s uniform.

On May 25, join us by wearing a red poppy to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and support the future of veterans and their families for generations to come.

Sincerely,

The American Legion 

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at over 2.4 million in 14,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines. Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. Following is a chronology of significant dates in Legion history: History of Post 177 & Post 532 Hayesville’s First American legion Post, named after Robert Napoleon Roach, who was killed in action on October 22, 1918 during WW I in France. He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial in France. On July 30, 1927, a meeting was held for forming a Post of the American Legion. All men that served any time during the World War at home or abroad being eligible, were invited to be present. An application for a Charter was filled by the following; Bascom Neal Haigler, George B. Thompson, Robert M. Tiger, Roy Smart, Will Taylor, Bynum Penland, Carl Parker, Allen Bell, A.B. Ledford, Carmen Anderson, Wayne Anderson, Dent Nelson, Gad Nelson and Walter Burch on July 30, and accepted by the national organization on August 2, 1927. At the August 26, 1927 meeting the first officers were elected; Post Commander-Bascom Neal Haigler, 1st vice Commander-George B. Thompson, 2nd Vice Commander-Will Taylor, Adjutant-Allen J. Bell, Finance Officer-Marvin Alexander, Chaplain-Roy Smart, Historian-Claude C. Long, Sgt-at-Arms-Henderson Setzer. In 1936/37, the Post was no longer active. On August 22, 1940, a group of ex-servicemen got together to reorganize the Bob Roach Post 177. The Commander- Arthur Jones, Vice Commander-J.N. Alexander, Adjutant-Allen J. Bell. On Saturday October 19, 1946, The War Memorial on the Hayesville Square, was dedicated to those who gave their lives in the two World Wars. The Commander, Vernon F. Martin, of the Bob Roach American legion Post 177, conducted the ceremony. The black draped stone was unveiled while the Legion Boys Choir sang “My Buddy” with piano accompaniment by Mrs. C.E. Standbridge. The American Legion Charter for the Bob Roach Post 177 was cancelled two years later in October 1948. In summer of 2008, Veterans of Clay County, applied for a Charter to form a new American Legion Post in Hayesville, to be named after George Lee. Mr. Lee passed in December 2008, he was a prominent Clay County resident, a World War II Veteran and recipient of a Purple Heart. He had also been a member of the original Bob Roach Post 177. On January 17, 2009, an American Legion Charter was presented, establishing the George Lee American Legion Post 532

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Eligibility Veterans who served at least one day of active duty during wartime, or are serving now, are potentially eligible for membership in The American Legion. Members must have been honorably discharged or still serving honorably.

Merchant Marines who served from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, are also eligible. 

Southwest Asia and Global War on Terrorism August 2, 1990 Present day 

Panama December 20, 1989 January 31, 1990 

Lebanon and Grenada August 24, 1982 July 31, 1984 

Vietnam War February 28, 1961 May 7, 1975 

Korean War June 25, 1950 January 31, 1955 

World War II December 7, 1941 December 31, 1946

World War I veterans were also eligible during their lifetimes; 

Seated: L to R: Bill Christy, 2nd Vice, Sherry McHenry, 1st Vice, Rondal Brown, Commander, Carl Maxwell, Chaplain

Standing l to r: Larry Sams, Service Officer, Phil Cantley, Sgt at Arms, Charles Gaines, Adjutant, Bob Epperson, Judge Advocate, Not Shown,Mark Runge, Financial Officer