May is Poppy Month for Honoring the Fallen and the Living

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Bright red poppies were blowing in the wind on Saturday, May 8, at the Orangevale Walmart. Members of Fair Oaks American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 383 and their families withstood near gale-force winds to get these poppies into the hands of shoppers.

Men, women and children of all ages, some with their pets in tow, stopped to accept the flowers and make a donation as part of a tradition which began in 1921. In 2017 the U.S. Congress designated the Friday before Memorial Day to be National Poppy Day, which is on May 28 this year.

For decades, during the month of May, American Legion Auxiliary units throughout the country have been providing bright red poppies to honor our fallen warriors, and as a reminder of the sacrifices made by today’s active military and their families. All funds raised from these working poppy days are used to help with the continuing needs of our active service and retired veterans. 

At the poppy table on that Saturday, veterans shared stories of their military experiences. Children of all ages chose bright bookmarks and one of the six colorful educational comic books explaining the Pledge of Allegiance, the Constitution, our U.S. Flag, and who our veterans are. “Bridging the Gap” a comic book story for teens and adults educates readers on how to prevent and stop bullying.

It became evident that not everyone can appreciate that “freedom is not free.” Many younger groups walked by, showing no interest. Perhaps having grown up in times of peace and not experiencing a war or conflict with a power from outside their country, they take their freedom for granted, expecting it will always be there.

Noticing this, one experienced war veteran commented, “The younger generation doesn’t realize that, if we didn’t do what we did then, you would not have what you have now.” This is why the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary do what they do, working hard to remember those who died for our freedom, and to serve the active military protecting us every day in all parts of the world.

The poppies are made by veterans who are disabled or live in assisted/ retirement homes like Yountville Veteran’s Home in Napa County. They receive a small allowance for making the poppies. These residents receive the basic materials - red and green crepe paper - and assemble the ‘unfluffed’ flowers. Local auxiliary members order what they need and spend hours each year at poppy parties, opening and fluffing hundreds of flowers for their unit’s fundraising programs.

The local ALA district comprised of six units, includes members from Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Orangevale, Folsom and Rancho Cordova. In 2020 the Fair Oaks Unit 383 spent $1,700 on Christmas for three veteran’s families, including 14 children.  They work closely with military families at Mather Village in Rancho Cordova, providing for needs such as art supplies for the veteran’s caregiver’s program and bus passes for veteran to get to Mather for their appointments.

There are over 30 districts in California and hundreds of units, all providing services for active and retired service men and women and their families. Over $2 million dollars is donated nationally.

To learn more about the ALA’s mission or to volunteer, donate or join, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org or meet the ladies of the Fair Oaks Unit 383 at their website: al383.org. Email: [email protected].  OR

To get your poppies and other resources, American Legion Auxiliary 383 will have a poppy table at Sam’s Club in Citrus Heights on Wednesday, May 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. wind permitting!

Source: CA State American Legion Auxiliary www.calegionaux.org