A little history of Memorial Day tradition

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is proud to bring honor and remembrance to the little red flower we call the buddy poppy. Its history spans all the way back to World War I and symbolizes remembrance of all veterans who lost their lives in war for freedom. A famous poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae titled "In Flanders Fields" describes a battlefield where American soldiers were buried with a white cross to mark their place. Surprisingly, red poppies grew, even on the battlefield. These American cemeteries are throughout Europe in places such as Belgium, France and England.

Today, disabled veterans in our VA hospitals assemble the buddy poppies and volunteers of the VFW distribute them. One hundred percent of the donations the community gives the VFW for buddy poppies are returned to veterans and their families who have needs. Some examples are hospital parties, food baskets, clothes for homeless veterans, and financial support for a widow of a veteran or children at the VFW National Home.

When it nears Memorial Day, you will find volunteers distributing poppies in front of stores within your community. Other volunteers walk throughout community cemeteries, placing a U.S. flag on the graves of deceased veterans. Memorial Day is a very special time of the year for all veterans and their families and we are happy to share it with you. This year, when you see volunteers of the VFW distributing buddy poppies throughout the month of May, you will understand why. Please stop and say hello.

Yolanda Kardos

Ladies Auxiliary to VFW Post 1352

Woodbridge