On #ThisDayInHistory 1915: the poem “In Flanders Fields” was written by Canadian soldier and physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. He was inspired to write the poem after attending the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier who died in the Second Battle of Ypres. | HISTORY

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. Listen as American Legion Past National Commander Jake Comer recites "In Flanders Field." #PoppyDay | The American Legion National Headquarters