American Legion Auxiliary volunteers will distribute the familiar red, handcrafted poppies honoring America’s war dead on Thursday, May 26.

The annual event pays tribute to those veterans who have died in the last 75 years. It also honors the millions of Americans who have willingly served their country in seven decades.

Each nine-piece poppy is made by veterans for veterans in Auxiliary-sponsored Poppy Shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The Auxiliary provides the materials and the volunteers. The veteran makes the poppy and is paid a small amount for each flower made. For some it is their only income.

No matter what the cost of maintaining and supplying the Poppy Shops, the memorial poppy is never sold, but given in exchange for contribution.

It serves as well as honors the veteran, with all proceeds from the distribution invested in local programs for the benefit of the veteran and his/her family.

The poppy program has been part of Auxiliary programming for more than 70 years. It has been estimated that approximately 25 million Americans wear the poppy to honor America’s war dead and all veterans, contributing over $2 million for rehabilitation and welfare programs.

Mayor proclaims Poppy Day 2011

Rugby Mayor David C. Cichos has proclaimed Thursday, May 26 as Poppy Day 2011, according to the Clarence Larson Unit #23 of the American Legion Auxiliary, Rugby.

The proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: America is the land of freedom, preserved and protected willingly by citizen soldiers; and

WHEREAS: Millions who have answered the call to arms have died on the field of battle; and

WHEREAS: A nation at peace must be reminded of the price of war and the debt owed to those who have died in war; and

WHEREAS: The red poppy has been designated as a symbol of sacrifice of lives in all wars; and

WHEREAS: The American Legion Auxiliary has pledged to remind America annually of this debt through the distribution of the memorial flower.

THEREFORE: I, David C. Cichos, Mayor of the City of Rugby, do hereby proclaim Thursday, the 26th day of May, 2011, as POPPY DAY and ask that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing the Memorial Poppy on this day.

Dated this 5th day of May, 2011.

David C. Cichos, Mayor