In 1921 the American Legion began selling small artificial poppies on Memorial Day for a donation. The poppy represents all fallen soldiers that have given their lives to protect our nation's colors. As a kid, I remember that outside the grocery store, the ladies of the American Legion were selling them for a small donation. My Mom always got each of us kids one to put in a buttonhole of our blouse or shirt. She always explained that they represented all the fallen soldiers that gave their lives to protect our colors. I think each Memorial Day they still sell the poppies and I do so hope that the parents are telling their kids why. It is so important. AI,PSP