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Poppy symbolizes remembrance

DEAR EDITOR:

The American Legion adopted the memorial poppy as a national emblem of remembrance in 1920. Afterward, the red poppy became a symbol of remembrance used around the world by veterans’ organizations.

Following World War I, much of the land of Europe was in total devastation. Within a few years, with fields still laying desolate, wild red poppies bloomed where young soldiers had once lived and breathed and died in trenches.

The fields became synonymous with the great loss of life in war and inspired the poem “In Flanders Field” by John McCrae.

From the beginning, paper poppies have been made by U.S. veterans. Funds generated by the poppy campaign have and still are used to support those in need of help, service members and civilians suffering from the physical and mental hardships as a result of war.

I invite readers, along with the members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737, to take a moment and remember the men and women who have served and continue to serve, by wearing a poppy.

Poppies are available through many veterans groups, as well as the American Legion Auxiliary, and will be seen at local Memorial Day ceremonies.

American Legion Auxiliary members have dedicated themselves for nearly a century to meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families both here and abroad. They volunteer millions of hours yearly, with a value of $3.1 billion.

As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, Auxiliary volunteers across the country step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with the ALA Girls State programs.

To learn more about the Auxiliary’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.

KAREN SHESKO

Lake Milton

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 737

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