'Pop Over For A Poppy' To Honor Fallen Warriors, Help Veterans In Need

SOUTHOLD, NY — Poppies a'plenty were prepared in Southold recently to honor fallen heroes and help veterans in need.

Southold's American Legion Auxiliary Unit #803 is encouraging residents to honor fallen warriors on National Poppy Day. The "Pop Over For A Poppy" event will be held on Friday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at American Legion Post #803, located at 51655 Main Road in Southold.

Members of the Auxiliary will distribute bright red poppies in exchange for a donation.

The Flanders Fields poppy has become an internationally known and recognized symbol of the lives sacrificed in war and the hope that none died in vain. The American Legion Family called upon Congress to proclaim the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, which was officially designated as such in 2017, the Legion said.

"Wearing the poppy on National Poppy Day and throughout Memorial Day weekend is one small way to honor and remember our fallen warriors who willingly served our nation and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said ALA Unit #803 President Joan Cochran. "We must never forget."

The poppy also honors hospitalized and disabled veterans who handcraft many of the red, crêpe paper flowers. Making the poppies provides a financial and therapeutic benefit to the veterans, as well as a benefit to thousands of other veterans, the Legion said.

"When The American Legion Family adopted the poppy as its memorial flower in the early 1920s, the blood-red icon became an enduring symbol of honor for the sacrifices of our veterans from the battlefields of France in World War I to today’s global war on terror. The American Legion Auxiliary raises about $4 million each year distributing poppies throughout the nation, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to help veterans, military, and their families," the Legion said.

The American Legion Auxiliary is a community of volunteers serving veterans, military, and their families. Members support the mission of The American Legion in improving the quality of life for the nation’s veterans.

"Proud sponsor of ALA Girls Nation, National Poppy Day, and recognized for advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the more than 600,000 ALA members across the country volunteer millions of hours annually and raise millions of dollars in service to veterans, military, and their families. Founded in 1919, the ALA is one of the oldest patriotic membership organizations in the U.S.A.," the Legion said.

To learn more or to volunteer, join, and donate, click here.