Mailbag

Dear Editor;

In an official proclamation, Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed the month of May 2017, as Poppy Month in the state of Minnesota. In addition, this year, the American Legion asked Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, a day that encourages all Americans to wear a red poppy as a symbol to remember the fallen and support the living heros who have worn our nation’s uniform.

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed by those who fought and those who continue to fight for our country following the publication of the poem “In Flanders Fields”. The poem was written by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front line in World War I, to honor soldiers killed in battle.

The poppy became the official flower of the American Legion on September 27, 1920 in Cleveland, Ohio. Each year, members of the American Legion family, led by the American Legion Auxiliary, distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation. Poppies are NEVER sold. Donations received support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs.

Minneota American Legion Auxiliary Unit 199 wishes to provide the opportunity to donate to veterans’ causes as well. Please place a donation in a container located in various businesses in Minneota and Taunton, from May 22 to May 27.

Then show your support for veterans by wearing a poppy on National Poppy Day, May 26, 2017. Poppies will also be available on Memorial Day near the entrance of the Legion Hall.

Thank you in advance for your support of veterans everywhere!

Sandra Josephson

Unit 199 President