Memorial Day is approaching and When you are out and about this time of year most likely you will see veterans and volunteers passing out Little red paper poppies prior to Memorial Day. The tiny red flower has helped raise millions of dollars which goes to Veteran' rehabilitation and service programs and also supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's Veterans. The poppy goes back to the poem written by Col. John McCrae titled "In Flanders Field" which describes the blowing fields of poppies among the battleground of the fallen.

The Poppy was adopted as the official memorial flower in 1922 by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. They are assembled by disabled and disadvantaged veterans who are paid for their work, providing them with a form of financial assistance and giving them a feeling of belonging by doing the job.

When you see the Veterans with the Poppies, remember to them it’s all about veterans helping veterans and living up to VFW’s motto of “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living.” The Poppy reiterates that the VFW will not forget the sacrifices of all men and women who have served and still serve today.