Commemorative plate featuring a likeness of Moina Michael, the Poppy Lady, donated to the Monroe Museum

Pictured presenting the plate are, from left, Karen Casper, regent of the Matthew Talbot Chapter in Monroe; Steve Brown, curator of the Monroe Museum, and Belinda Savage, Regent of the Elijah Clarke Chapter. Photo special to the Walton Tribune

The Matthew Talbot Chapter and the Elijah Clarke Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution donated a commemorative plate featuring a likeness of Monia Michael, affectionately known today as ‘The Poppy Lady,’ to the Moina Michael exhibit of the Monroe Museum.

Moina Michael was born in Good Hope and is buried in Resthaven Cemetery in Monroe. Michael was a member of the Elijah Clarke DAR Chapter in Athens. The plate artist is Patricia Maxwell, who is a member of the Elijah Clarke Chapter.

Born in Good Hope on Aug. 16, 1869, Michael went on to be remembered around the globe for her work raising funds to help disabled World War I veterans. She did that by selling silk poppies inspired by the battlefront-themed poem, “In Flanders Field” by Canadian John McCrae. She penned the poem, “We Shall Keep the Faith,” in response. Her work continued long after her passing in 1944 and continues to this day with the proceeds from the sale of silk poppies benefiting veterans from all wars.

An almost life-size marble statue of the Poppy Lady stands at the Walton County Veterans Memorial.