Alabama Poppy Project honors the military in Prattville
The Alabama Poppy Project has honored the lives of fallen U.S. servicemen and women since 2020.
But the tradition got its start nationally at the end of World War I.
Julianne Hansen, founder of the Alabama Poppy Project, has been making and planting handmade stoneware poppies in Prattville as her way to remember those we’ve lost in service to our country.
Julianne and Steven Hansen started with the first poppy that was placed in honor of Steven’s son, an Air Force pilot, who passed away suddenly in 2017.
When Julianne Hansen first started in 2020, she had 1,000 poppies on display. In 2021, she was able to double the number to 2,000.
This annual tradition brings in people from all over the state to not only admire the artwork, but also offer them a space to remember the loved ones that they lost in the service.
“As when we would have volunteers come in and make poppies, they would be talking about their loved ones. And it just was a very authentic and organic way to gently allow people to talk about their loved one,” Hansen told Action 8 News.
“I think having those opportunities of quiet reflection as well as communication in a safe space is really what we have found has been incredibly helpful. And we never in a million years thought that this exhibit would do this, but it’s been a miracle not only for us but many, many others.”
This year, the poppies were moved indoors to put on display since the site they usually plant them on is under construction, but that doesn’t stop Hansen from continuing her craftsmanship.
The exhibit will be on display through Flag Day, June 14.
If you would like to sponsor a poppy for $50, you can visit: Alabamapoppyproject.com
