On Saturday. October 6, Curtis A Smith VFW Post 1033 Auxiliary held its annual Buddy Poppy Drive. Thanks to all the wonderful folks in the Alleghany Highlands, the drive was a tremendous success. A lot of veterans’ lives will be touched by your generosity.
Since 1922, the Buddy Poppy has been an important part of the VFW community. An official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the bloodshed by American servicemen. It lets our veterans know they will never be forgotten.
Poppies originally came from France, but it took so long to get here the VFW devised a better plan. Poppies would be made by disabled, hospitalized and aging veterans. Poppy assembly is often used as a therapy program to provide exercise for fingers and hands crippled by wounds, disease and the effects of old age.
Poppies are also important because all proceeds from distribution are used for veterans’ welfare and for the well-being of their dependents and the orphans of veterans. The Buddy Poppy Program provides financial assistance in maintaining department and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home.
“In Flanders Field” written by John McCrae inspired the use of the poppy as a symbol of Remembrance.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.