American Legion Post 17 urges support of Poppy Day May 22

All through the month of May 2019, local stores were hosting Poppy Ladies – the American Legion Auxiliary volunteers of Unit 17. They offered visitors a bright red poppy to wear for remembrance, and in return, hoped for a donation to help Post 17 continue to serve local military families. The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn or displayed by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for this country in all wars. No such storefront representation is possible this year because of pandemic restrictions.

Also last year, May 16 saw the arrival of the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall to Lewes. What a feat that was! Nearly 8,000 locals and visitors strolled the grassy knoll of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry grounds to pay their respects. During that weekend, Armed Forces Day was recognized with a special tribute ceremony that included remarks on the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

The local community looks very different this May, and so are the services of the American Legion Family of Post 17. There will be no publicly sanctioned recognition – no wall, no poppies being personally distributed, no Memorial Day parade through town. Instead, the Post 17 family asks that this month be a time to more personally reflect, honor and educate.

People can research the history of National Poppy Month, learn about the poem “In Flanders Fields” which led to the poppy tradition, be creative and make poppies to display in yards or on porches, and be sure to wear them proudly on Poppy Day, Friday, May 22, whether quarantined inside or venturing out.

For more information on the history and significance of the American Legion Auxiliary’s National Poppy Program, go to www.alaforveterans.org.