Honor a vet when you buy a poppy

Poppy Days are approaching -- it's not too soon to talk about it.

Around each Memorial Day, you may recall seeing volunteers standing on street corners or outside of stores. The small, red "flowers" they offer represent a way for each of us to honor our veterans who died serving our country and to help our veterans in need.

The poppy tradition began in 1915 by Moina Michael, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields." She was the first to wear red poppies on Memorial Day in honor of those who died in war serving our nation. She sold poppies to her friends and co-workers, with the money going to benefit servicemen in need.

The poppies offered by the American Legion and Auxiliary are created by hospitalized veterans as a way to earn a small wage. For some, this is now their permanent home.

All donations collected by our volunteers are used exclusively to benefit veterans in need and their families.

This can range from providing simple essentials such as T-shirts, socks and sundries to the veterans in our local VA hospitals, to TVs for their rooms, to helping purchase a motorized wheelchair for the disabled child of a veteran or offering temporary financial aid to a veteran's family.

This year, poppy collections in Palatine will be May 22-24. Our Auxiliary Unit's goal is to raise at least $6,000, and we need our community to help us achieve this.

For details or to make a donation, contact me through our Legion Post at (847) 359-1606. As the American Legion organization begins its 90th year, please remember our veterans this Memorial Day by donating generously and displaying your poppy proudly.

Anne P. Woodruff, president

Palatine Auxiliary Unit 690