Post 131 Legion Auxiliary to sell poppies in May
By:
Noelle Bonjour, Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 Auxiliary
Honor our fallen warriors and contribute to the continuing needs of our veterans on National Poppy Day®, May 24 by wearing a red poppy. The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017.
“Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said ALA Unit 131 President Gloria Bonjour. “We must never forget.”
The Valley Springs American Legion Auxiliary Unit 131 have cans placed at area businesses and will be at the Brandon Sunshine store from 10 a.m. to noon every Thursday in May prior to Memorial Day. The cans have been placed at Valley Corner Bar, the Farmer’s Co-Op, Mary Ann Goembel’s barbershop, Parker Automotive, and Don Johnson’s body shop in Valley Springs; Red Rock Bar and Grille in Rowena; and Noelle’s Therapeutic Massage in Sioux Falls.
These poppies are distributed for a donation, and the recommended donation amount is $1 per poppy. However, when asked how much each poppy costs, Bonjour responds, “Whatever you think a disabled veteran is worth.”
The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft 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.
When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families.
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. It is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more and get involved, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
