On Poppy Day, Nov. 7, the American Legion Auxiliary will be at various locations in Covington receiving donations and asking residents to wear the familiar red, handcrafted poppy to honor America’s fallen soldiers.

Planned to coincide with Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), the annual event pays tribute to those veterans who have died in the last 85 years. It also honors the millions of Americans who have willingly served their country during the last eight decades.

All proceeds from the poppy pins are invested in local programs benefiting veterans and their families. No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the Poppy Shops, the memorial poppy is never sold, but given in exchange for a contribution.

Each nine-piece poppy is made by veterans for veterans in Auxiliary-sponsored Poppy Shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The Auxiliary provides the material and the volunteers. The veteran makes the poppy and is paid a small amount for each painstakingly made flower. For some it is their only income.

The poppy has been part of Auxiliary programming for more than 80 years. It has been estimated that approximately 25 million Americans wear the poppy to honor America’s war dead and all veterans — contributing more than $2 million for rehabilitation and welfare programs.

Tootles Tingler is chairperson of this year’s local event.