May 22, 2008

As everyone knows, Memorial Day is a special day set aside to remember our country’s fallen veterans. But it is also a good time to remember other veterans who are in need. Whether they are handicapped, elderly, destitute, or financially unable to make ends meet temporarily, there are countless veterans in need. Helping these many veterans is a driving force behind the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Around Memorial Day, the men and women of local VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries distribute VFW Buddy Poppies for donations. All the donated money raised at this time goes toward helping the needy veterans. Beginning in May 1923, the small red paper Buddy Poppies have been assembled by disabled or hospitalized veterans from across the country. Local VFW Posts purchase the Buddy Poppies, and this initial cost compensates the veterans who actually make the poppies. However, this money also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and helps orphans and widows of deceased veterans. Members of VFW Russell T. Scott Post 5993 and its Ladies Auxiliary will distribute Buddy Poppies in front of the Ava Wal-Mart on May 24 and 25, and on Memorial Day, May 26. Most of the proceeds remain in the local area and allow the Post and Auxiliary to help many of our veterans. The members of the Post and Auxiliary hope you will stop by for a Buddy Poppy and that you will wear it with pride. It is a wonderful way to show your support for America’s military veterans.