American Legion Auxiliary News
Submitted by Judy Doran
National Poppy Day is May 22, 2020. The American Legion Auxiliary, The American Legion, and Sons of the American Legion, distribute red paper poppies in exchange for donations. All funds go directly to help veterans and active-duty military in need. In 2019, The American Legion Auxiliary distributed $3.6 million in donations to benefit veterans’ programs.
The red poppy is a symbol of sacrifice adopted by the Auxiliary after World War 1 and memorialized in the poem, “In Flanders Fields” written by John McCrae. It is this sacrifice that the American Legion Auxiliary honors and recognizes every year for 100 years. Now 101 years old the Auxiliary continues its efforts to visit hospitalized veterans, provide comfort items to veterans, and help veterans’ families. The American Legion Auxiliary has been delivering on its promise to veterans for 100 years with no end in sight.
Throughout the month of May, you will see members distributing poppies at traffic lights, grocery stores, malls, bakeries, and many other spots. They will accept donations for veteran programs and will remind us to respect and honor all veterans. Next month Clark American Legion Auxiliary Unit 328 members can be seen at the Shop-Rite, Acme, Vacarro’s Bakery and other establishments in Clark. Say hello, take a poppy, donate and thank a veteran.
To all those who served our country, we say thank you.
In Flanders Fields
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
