Poppy Day honors veterans’ sacrifice for freedom

National Poppy Day is May 28, a strong renewal of our nation’s commitment to a powerful reminder of the cost of our freedom with just over 100 years of rich tradition. Millions of people worldwide wear the poppy as a call to honor living veterans and those who lost their lives.

Even in the darkest of times, flowers still find a way to the surface and bloom. Poppy seeds can be dormant for years yet bloom brilliantly when the soil is disturbed.

After the battles fought in World War I, the blood red poppy flourished in France and Belgium when battlefields became burial grounds. The red flowers suddenly bloomed among the newly dug gravesites of fallen service members, turning the new graveyards into fields of red.

As the “other celebrations” occur over Memorial Day weekend and the freedom to do so is enjoyed by all, the sacrifice symbolized by the poppy should be respected and honored.

Today, the American Legion remembers and memorializes those sacrifices, by distributing poppies.

All donations received in exchange for the red crepe paper and fabric red poppies go directly to support local veterans, military and their families. The Bandera American Legion Auxiliary uses the funds collected to support scholarships for the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of veterans.

Poppies and donation jars are available at the following local businesses: Western Trail Antiques; Spoiled Rotten Salon; Spirits of Texas; The Branding Iron; Fickle Pickle; Hevenor Lumber; Car Quest Auto Parts and Ace Hardware in Medina.

They will also be available at the American Legion all day on Wednesday and throughout the weekend at the American Legion booth during the Bandera Stompede Professional Rodeo Memorial Day weekend.

Contact Gerda Weathers at 830-328-0190 for more information.