The Poppy Poster Contest is sponsored annually by the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Illinois. This contest provides school-aged children with information about the origin and the purpose of the Poppy.  The Poppy was chosen in 1921 as the memorial flower for the men who lost their lives in World War I.  Today, the Poppy continues to memorialize all of those who have died in all wars and to assist in the rehabilitation of veterans who are hospitalized suffering from wounds and illness. 

 

Each year, Auxiliary Units from across the State work with their local schools (grades 4-12) to create Poppy Posters.  One winning poster is selected from each participating Auxiliary. Winning posters are then sent to the state American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary for a state-level review. 

 

This year, the winning poster for the Auxiliary, Unit 1084, was from Peacock Middle School in Itasca.