To the editor:
As Memorial Day is fast approaching, members of Auxiliary Unit 153, Park Ridge American Legion, will be distributing the red crepe paper poppies that serve as a perpetual tribute to those who have given their lives in the line of duty to our nation.
In 1923 the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion in memory of soldiers who fought on the battlefields of Belgium during World War I. A doctor and soldier, who Lt. Col. John McCrae of the Canadian army, found out a friend had died. in battle so he wrote one of the most famous war poems, “In Flanders Field,” to honor those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Consequently, every year around Memorial Day services are held to honor more than 360 American servicemen buried in Waregem, Belgium.
The destruction from the battles reached beyond the battlefield to the towns and roads of the area and led to the demolition of buildings as well as all the plant life, leaving only mud. However, the dormant poppy seeds were now exposed after the burial of the dead soldiers and in the spirit of 1915, red poppies flourished in Flanders Fields, covering the newly dug graves.
Veterans in veterans facilities and veterans homes help assemble these poppies and the minimal cost to these organizations provides compensation for their efforts. All donations collected have helped countless veterans and their widows, widowers and orphans over the years.
No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the poppies, these memorial poppies are never sold, but given in exchange for a contribution.
Funds raised by this project will enable members of Post 153 along with the ALA unit and SAL (Sons of the American Legion) to continue supporting programs such as sponsoring monthly bingo sessions at the Paramus Veterans Home.
Members will be at the Acme in Woodcliff Lake May 18 and 25, offering poppies on behalf of our veterans.
This year, wear a poppy with pride in honor of our veterans!