The Veterans of Foreign Wars of Edwin Frohmader Post 1879 and Auxiliary have announced that their “Buddy Poppy Campaign” is slated to kick off at local businesses throughout the Fort Atkinson area on Oct. 7 and 8.
The campaign features the presentation of “Buddy Poppies,” which are small, plastic, red flowers that represent a donor’s monetary contribution to helping veterans of war in need of money, food and shelter, among other staples.
According to a recent news release, the four flower petals of the poppy represent dedication, sacrifice, responsibility and compassion. The red color of the poppy represents the blood that was shed in honor of service. The black color in the poppy represents the mud and desolation on the battle field. The green color of the stem and foliage represent the fields, forest and meadows where fellow Americans perished to make the United States free.
All proceeds from distribution of the poppies are used to help care for disabled veterans and their families, the release stated.
The poppy has a rich history that began during World War I and was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields,” written by Col. John McCrae, Canadian Army artillery officer before the United States entered the war, the release noted.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Edwin Frohmader Post 1879 Auxiliary Poppy Chairperson Helen O’Neil, from left, Fort Atkinson City Manager Rebecca Houseman LeMire and Bill Insland, VFW poppy chairperson, gather. LeMire is this year’s first participant as a donor in the “Buddy Poppy Campaign,” slated this year to be offered through local businesses in October. Contributed photo.
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