On Friday and Saturday, May 12 and 13, the red cr?®pe paper poppy will be offered to the public by the American Legion Auxiliary.
This reminder of the sacrifice of countless thousands in four wars is an annual event undertaken by the members of Unit 261 in Kimball.
Volunteers from the unit will once again take part in this nation-wide program in memory of the citizen soldiers who gave their lives in the cause of freedom
Funds collected on Poppy Days are used to assist the needy veteran and his family. It is a self-help program as the Auxiliary?Äôs familiar red paper poppy is handmade by disabled and hospitalized veterans. These veterans make the flowers by hand, petal by petal. It is part of a physical and psychological therapy program by veterans for veterans. These poppies are purchased by the Auxiliary and offered to the public, not at a price, but for a contribution?Ķa few cents to say America remembers.
This memorial flower was adopted by the American Legion Auxiliary in 1920 and since that time, programs have been conducted throughout the United States each year.
Contributions made on Poppy Days are used by the local unit to aid needy veterans and their families in the community and in hospitals throughout the state. All proceeds are channeled directly into veterans?Äô rehabilitation and welfare work for veterans?Äô children and youth.
Auxiliary members from Kimball will ask the public to pause for a moment, pin on a poppy, and wear it with pride, remembering the civilian who took an oath to serve his country and gave his life so that America would survive today.
Submitted by Poppy Chairmen
Joann Hendricks
Jeanie Schmidt