CHENANGO – May 22, 2020 is National Poppy Day.

The red poppy is the nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice that is worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our Country in all wars.

The red poppy symbolizes the blood shed protecting Americans’ freedom following publication of the wartime poem “In flanders Fields” written by Lt.Col.John McCrae, while serving on the front line in WWI, to honor soldiers killed in battle.

The poppies are handcrafted by veterans with the assistance of unpaid volunteers. A veteran who donates five or six hours assembling the red crepe paper poppies can make as many as 2000 to 3000 poppies in a week. Last year more than $5.5 million was raised from poppy donations, 100 percent of which was used to support active military, veterans and their families through the Auxiliary’s outreach program services.

Volunteers do not sell poppies - they “distribute” them, with the request that a donation is appreciated to support the outreach programs. This year with “Social Distancing” poppy distribution must be in a different way. Please consider mailing a donation to our American Legion Auxiliary 29 Sheldon Street Norwich, NY 13815

Contact Sophie Liberatore at sophielib@yahoo.com or Jane Utegg at jvutegg@yahoo.com and we will send you a poppy or poppies for yourself, your company or organization.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of our veterans.

By Sophie Liberatore,

American Legion Aux Unit 189, Norwich

sophielib@yahoo.com