Look for American Legion red poppies on May 20

BREWSTER – National Poppy Day falls on Friday, May 27, this year so members of American Legion Auxiliary Columbia Post 97 will be out and about from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday, May 20, handing out bright red poppies in exchange for donations. Look for Poppy tables at Legion Post headquarters at 102 N. Third St., Brewster Marketplace, and Triangle Exxon.

Auxiliary spokeswoman Kim Patterson said the group is making the poppies available a week before Memorial Day so everyone can display the bright red badge of remembrance.

The donations raised from poppy sales help support veterans, active-duty military members and their families with medical and financial needs.

The poppy became the official flower of the American Legion on Sept. 27, 1920, to honor the soldiers who fought and died in World War One. Four years later poppy distribution became a national program of the American Legion.

The American Legion requested Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day. On May 27 wear a red poppy to honor those who have served and fallen and to support the living who have worn our nation’s military uniforms.

Many of the red crepe paper poppies distributed are handcrafted by hospitalized and disabled veterans so the program also honors their work while benefiting them both financially and therapeutically.

The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Members also support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for our nation's veterans. Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A. To learn more and to join, volunteer, and donate, contact Margi Allen at 509-689-5402, or visit  www.ALAforVeterans.org.