Poppy Day benefits veterans

To the editor:

Friday, May 28, the Arthur Kirchhoff Unit 288, American Legion Auxiliary of Hartley will be conducting their annual Poppy Day. Poppies and containers will be placed in Hartley businesses in hopes that you will make a donation to continue this time-honored tradition. You are not purchasing a poppy; you are making a donation that can only be used to support veterans, military and their families.

In Hartley, the poppy donation containers will be placed in local businesses for your convenience. You may also mail your donation to Kathy Wacker, 250 N 7th Ave. W, Hartley, Iowa 51346, or Renee Crist, 141 N 3rd Ave. E, Hartley, Iowa 51346.

COVID-19 has changed the way our annual Poppy Day may look, but it hasn’t changed the importance of the event. The focus on the poppy began after the death and destruction that was part of World War I when beautiful, bright red poppies began to flourish in the soils of France and Belgium. This little flower came to symbolize the blood shed during battle.

In the decades that followed, poppies have been worn, displayed and distributed for fundraising efforts by veterans service and support organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary around the world. Please join us on Friday, May 28 as we continue this tradition. Donations may only be used to help veterans. Please consider supporting those people who served to guarantee our freedom!

Kathy Wacker,

Hartley