For those who contribute to the American Legion on Armed Forces Day this Saturday, the red poppy they receive may seem like a small gift; but it holds far more meaning for those who take time to remember those who have fought and given their lives for our country.

Marsha Raitt is among the volunteers from the American Legion Auxiliary in Pleasantville who will be distributing poppies for Armed Forces Day; this day is set aside each year to honor those on active duty in the service, and comes shortly before Memorial Day.

She says many younger people ask what she’s selling when she distributes the poppies, but to her it’s not a sale — it’s a tribute to the lives of those who paid the highest price, and deserve to be remembered.

Marsha tells KNIA/KRLS News she has been doing this every year since she was young, and the meaning of how much those who served have given up for freedom is always present in her mind at this time…and can be overwhelming.

“And it means a lot to me. (Tearfully) I’ve been doing this since I was twelve years old, and…I do the big poppies on the graves of the women who have all died, and I know where they’re all buried, because I’ve done it since I was twelve. And I do it by myself, but it’s very meaningful to me.”

The tradition of handing out poppies goes back to the years following the First World War, and is intended to pay tribute to those who have fallen in all American wars. Funds raised from Poppy Day will go to assist veterans and their families.