Little Miss Poppy Maia Peters wore patriotic garb on Thursday –– a red, white and blue dress and pants adorned with American flags, as she mingled around the American Legion Post 108 in Bradford.

The 5-year-old also held a fan with an American flag design –– and grasped a poppy, a red crepe paper flower nationally recognized as a symbol to honor those who served and died for the United States.

National Poppy Day is today, and as Little Miss Poppy, Maia is calling attention to the paper flowers. Individuals are encouraged to wear or display a red poppy. The Poppies, part of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program, are given for a donation that benefits local veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

And on Monday, Maia will appear in the annual Memorial Day parade, most likely waving to parade-goers who will line Main Street. The parade starts at 10:15 a.m. Monday.

Keith Reed, first vice commander of the American Legion Post 108, said Little Miss Poppy is “another way of honoring the veterans.” He served all over the world in the Navy for several years.

Maia of Foster Brook, who said she is a “kindergartner in training,” didn’t have much to say about being chosen as Little Miss Poppy. But her Grandpa Jerry Tingley shared some words.

“I’m glad she’s doing this. I don’t know how else to express myself,” said Tingley, who served in the Army for 19 months in Vietnam, from 1970-71.

Locally, Little Miss Poppy is selected from a drawing of youngster’s names.