Last month, the American Legion Auxiliary Drane-Prine Unit #79 helped Wesson remember war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice and find hope in the future of peace.
The local Legion Auxiliary used May 28, Congressionally-declared as National Poppy Day as part of the extended Memorial Day celebration to encourage patriotic town residents to wear or display a red poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope and to deliver Poppy Day coloring books, paper poppies and teachers’ packets for the third grade at Wesson Attendance Center and Wesson Baptist Church kindergarten.
“The American Legion Family is pleased to have brought National Poppy Day to the United States,” explained Sharon Langley, American Legion Auxiliary Drane-Prine Unit #79 president. “Wearing a poppy the Friday before Memorial Day is a reminder to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and is a symbol of hope for the generations to come who will answer our nation’s call to military service. It is important for Americans to remember that we have an entirely new group of veterans. Supporting them and their families is absolutely essential. We are also delighted to share with young people the important role Poppy Day is for our veterans and their families.”
The red poppy symbolizes the blood shed by those who fought during World War I and those who continue to fight for our country in its aftermath. Publication of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields" popularized the symbol. Written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D., while serving on the front line in World War I, the poem honors soldiers killed in battle. In 1920, the poppy became the memorial flower of The American Legion Family.
Wesson Mayor Alton Shaw signed a proclamation declaring Friday, May 28, as National Poppy Day.
“We are pleased to have the support of Mayor Shaw in honoring and remembering our veterans on this special day," Langley said.