2013 Poppy Proclamation

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary stand behind Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt as his signs the poppy proclamation. (submitted photo)

Mayor of the City of Oskaloosa, Iowa

Whereas, freedom is a cherished privilege to be treasured by all citizens of the City of Oskaloosa;

Whereas, this privilege has not been free but carries with it immeasurable sacrifices by our Veterans; and

Whereas, in yearly observance of said sacrifices I hereby honor the Veterans and their importance in the preservation of our freedoms; and

Whereas, the Poppy is a symbol of remembrance for all veterans who served this great county, and aid the living veteran and their family.

Now, Therefore, I, David Krutzfeldt, Mayor of the City of Oskaloosa, Iowa do hereby proclaim Saturday, May 18 through May 25, 2013, as the American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Days, and urge all citizens of the City to pause and honor our Veterans by wearing the Poppy, the American Legion’s memorial flower.

“In Flanders Field the Poppies blow beneath the crosses row on row.” Colonel John McCrea wrote these words in memory of the WWI fallen soldiers. These words prompted the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary to make the Poppy their memorial flower and mandate the contributions received from the distribution of the Poppies are used only for assisting Veterans and their families. This is the beginning of the Poppy Program.

The Poppy Program was adopted not only to raise funds for the rehabilitation program but also to serve as therapy for the hospitalized Veterans making the Poppies. This program provides each of us the opportunity to help our Veterans and their families. Many challenges face our world today and one of the most important issues is providing for Veterans and their families. Through our Poppy Program, we have assured the Veterans that they “have not” and “will not” be forgotten. There isn’t any symbol of freedom as poignant as the “Flanders Field Poppy”.

In Flanders Fields

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.