The Moina Michael stamp was issued on November 9, 1948.
Moina Michael (1869-1944) saw the courage of soldiers fighting in World War I and was determined to honor their dedication. In 1918, she volunteered for the YMCA Overseas War Workers. While there, she was inspired by John McCrae’s poem In Flander’s Field, which described poppies growing in a battlefield cemetery in France. She began to promote the symbol of the poppy in remembrance of those who fought in the war. The poppy was adopted by the American Legion in 1920. With the help of the American Legion Auxiliary, disabled veterans made and sold silk poppies to provide for their relief and rehabilitation. Known as the “poppy lady”, Moina was honored numerous times throughout her life for her efforts on behalf of veterans.
