Members of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 180 and the American Legion Post 180 family in Great Bend invite the public to honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans by wearing a red poppy for Memorial Day. Handmade crepe paper poppies will be available for a donation.
This year, the American Legion Family National Poppy Day is Friday, May 26. The day was recognized by Congress in 2018 to honor the fallen and support the living veterans.
Let every American wear a memorial poppy and let everyone pause, if only for a moment on Memorial Day, to honor those who have given their lives that we may be free.
The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms.
On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion Family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
Poppies available in Great Bend
Members of the Great Bend’s American Legion Auxiliary Unit 180 and the American Legion Post 180 family will be in front of seven businesses on Friday and Saturday to accept donations and hand out poppies.
The approximate schedule for Friday is in front of Walmart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both Dillons stores from noon to 4 p.m., and Bomgaars (Orscheln) and Waters Hardware from 2-4 p.m. Someone will also be outside Perkins Restaurant as scheduling allows.
On Saturday they will have someone at Sutherlands at 7 a.m., North Dillons at 8 a.m., Bomgaars (Orscheln) and South Dillons at 9 a.m., and Waters Hardware from 10 a.m. to noon. There will also be some at Perkins on Saturday morning.
Cochairs Marianne Krallman and Jeannie Munsch said they have 3,000 poppies available this year.
The Flanders Field poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain.
“Wear the poppy this Memorial Day weekend to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Krallman. “We must never forget.”
The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who hand craft many of the red, crepe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans and their families through the donations collected.
About the Auxiliary
American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) 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 more than $3.1 billion. As part of the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization, ALA volunteers across the country also step up to honor veterans and military through annual scholarships and with ALA girls State programs, teaching high school juniors to be leaders grounded in patriotism and Americanism.
To learn more about the ALA’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join visit us www.ALAfor Veterans.org. The local auxiliary Unit 180 is on Facebook at Kansas American Legion Auxiliary Unit 180.
