American Legion Junior Auxiliary Prepares For Annual Fundraiser
Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt signs a proclamation that recognizes the American Legion Junior Auxiliary Unit #34 as they prepare to raise funds in support of Veterans. Back row left to right: Andrea Mitterer and MacKenzie Marks. Front row left to right: Alyssa Cooley, Mayor Krutzfeldt and Emma Whitt. (photo by Ginger Allsup)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The American Legion Junior Auxiliary Unit #34 was recognized by Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfelt Friday afternoon as they prepare to help raise funds in support of Veterans.
The group will be distributing poppies from 9 a.m. until noon at the local Hy-Vee, Fareway and Wal-Mart stores on Saturday, May 19th.
“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.
