By Hannah Amos 
 
This year for National Poppy Day®, the American Legion Auxiliary is going above and beyond to engage with local communities and bring awareness to the significance and meaning of the poppy by launching a virtual 5K in May.

Along with other National Poppy Day activities organized by ALA units and departments, this national event aims to bring more awareness and recognition of the poppy’s significance.

The goal of virtual 5K — besides having fun — is to have ALA members show off their poppy and ALA-branded gear.

Call on your creativity and participate however you’re able to: walking, running, swimming, biking, etc.! Whatever activity you do, have fun and wear your poppy gear. 

To participate, make a suggested $25 donation to your local unit or state department Poppy Fund. Complete the 5K (3.1 miles) in whatever activity you choose between May 1-22. Take your time completing your 5K — don’t feel like you have to do it all at once. 

Most importantly, take lots and lots of pictures! Be a model and show off your poppies. 

Registration closes April 30. For the first 700 registrants, race medals are available. To register, go here. 

All those pictures you’re taking with this event? Post and share them in the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program Facebook group and all over your social media with the hashtag #ALAPoppyDay5K. 

Email high-resolution, actual-size pictures to Poppy@ALAforVeterans.org. Once you’ve emailed, you will receive a certification of completion you can fill out and print. 

This virtual 5K will further the impact of the poppy and National Poppy Day by providing more visibility over social media and in person.

“By running/walking/biking wearing a poppy, it will create an environment for promoting the poppy and what it stands for,” said Kristin Hinshaw, ALA National Headquarters’ senior program coordinator. 

The hope is that by simply wearing poppy gear more often, the poppy and its meaning will be as prevalent in the U.S. as it is in other countries like England, Canada, and Australia. 

The virtual 5K is a product of ALA national volunteers and ALA National Headquarters staff working together with the same mission of honoring our fallen servicemembers and veterans.

Stay tuned to our socials for more information and to keep up with this blossoming event — follow ALA National Headquarters on Facebook and Instagram. 

Have questions? Email Poppy@ALAforVeterans.org.