Pictured, from left, Derek Sadler of McHatton-Sadler, and Kathy Breske, poppy campaign chair

WARSAW — 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. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.

Connecting the visual image of the poppy with the sacrifice of service made by our veterans has been an important goal of the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program since its inception in 1921. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, millions of red crepe paper poppies—all handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation—are distributed across the country.

During May, members of The American Legion Post #49 family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation. All donations received will be used by The American Legion Family for programs that support veterans, the military community and their families. Members will be in the community on May 11 at the following locations: K-Mart from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wal-Mart, Tractor Supply Company, Auto Zone and Owens from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and would greatly appreciate your kind donations for our veterans.

In order to provide the assistance needed through our Poppy Program, we also rely on the support of generous businesses and individuals in our community. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel recently helped kickstart the campaign with a $500 donation.  

Donations may be mailed to: Kathy Breske, Poppy Committee Chairman, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #49, 301 N Buffalo St., Warsaw, Ind. 46580