The Garretson Legion Auxiliary was happy to resume the poppy poster coloring contest this year, with Mrs. Angela Bly and Ms. Amber Williamson's third grade classes participating. Each year, the contest is held at a local and national level, with students incorporating the red poppy as a way to remember those service members who have fallen in war.
National Poppy Day is Friday, May 27, 2022.
According to the American Legion Auxiliary website, "After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war. From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem 'In Flanders Fields.' The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. while serving on the front lines.
"On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.
"Led by the American Legion Auxiliary, each year members of The American Legion Family distribute poppies with a request that the person receiving the flower make a donation to support the future of veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs."
More can be learned at https://www.legion-aux.org/poppy.
"Thank You to Mrs. Bly and Ms. Williamson for promoting their students to make Poppy Posters," said the Garretson Legion Auxiliary's Cheryl Lyngen. While this year's posters were not sent to the national level, Lyngen was grateful the contest could be resumed.
Three posters were chosen among the over 35 submissions, and the winners were awarded prize money for their efforts. Those winners were, 1st place-Hailey Anderson, 2nd place-Preston Freestone, 3rd place-Kendra Jessen.
All of the posters are on display in Garretson businesses.
