Junior Activities Patch Program American Legion Auxiliary Junior members and Sons of The American Legion youth members can be active participants of the organization with the Patch Program. Regardless of where one lives, and whether she/he belongs to an active Junior group or squadron, Junior Auxiliary members and SAL youth members can serve their communities and veterans, and learn about patriotism, health, fitness and leadership through this program. Each sheet explains the criteria and what must be accomplished in order to earn a specific patch. When the activities are completed, an adult or Senior member must sign the form to verify that the Junior or SAL youth has met the patch criteria. There are three levels of patch criteria: 

• Red—Level 1: Kindergarten through 3rd grade 

• Gold—Level 2: 4th grade through 8th grade 

• Blue—Level 3: 9th grade through 12th grade (or 18 years old) 

Connecting the visual image of the poppy with the sacrifice of service made by our veterans has been an important goal of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program since its inception in 1921. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, millions of red crepe paper poppies are distributed across the country in exchange for donations that go directly to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in our communities.

The Poppy

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.