The North Carolina Department of Transportation has planted over 70 acres of Red Poppies along state highways, to honor World War I veterans.

 

North Carolina DOT plants acres of red poppies to honor WWI veterans

By Chris Isleib
Director of Public Affairs, U.S. World War One Centennial Commission

Red poppies are blooming along North Carolina highways in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of our nation’s entry into World War I.

To help honor those who served, NCDOT’s Roadside Environmental unit planted 70 acres of red poppies, an internationally recognized remembrance of sacrifice by our military veterans. The poppies are part of the U.S. World War I Commission’s nationwide efforts to raise awareness and give meaning to the events that took place 100 years ago.

“We want to honor those who have served and do it in a way that’s dignified as well as beautiful,” said Jerry Hester, a member of the U.S. World War One Commission. “People ask, ‘Why the poppies?’ It is to honor our servicemen and women, not only North Carolinians, but all over. We’ve had many international visitors who come and see these poppies and remark to us, ‘We’ve never seen anything like this in the world.’”