The American Legion Auxiliary will be out this Memorial weekend asking for donations to help with its Poppy Program. Members will be in front of Great Bend businesses with hand crafted poppies Friday evening and all day Saturday. They will also be out on Sunday if they still have some of the 3,000 poppies, said Marianne Krallman. She and Jeannie Munsch are cochairs of this year’s Poppy Program.
Look for volunteers in front of Walmart, both Dillon’s stores, Orscheln’s, Water’s True Value and Sutherlands from 4-8 p.m. Friday, and as early as 7 a.m. Saturday, and  at 10 a.m. Sunday if there are any left.
All poppies are made by disabled or hospitalized veterans who earn a small wage, which helps to supplement their income and makes them feel more self-sufficient. Proceeds from the poppy donations are used to assist and support veterans and their families. The assistance is also available to active members of the military and their families.
Replicas of poppies were first distributed in other countries following the end of World War I, and were inspired by  the poem “In Flanders Field,” written by Col. John McCrae of Canada in 1915 during World War I.
“In Flanders Field” insured the red poppy would forever be associated with war, and the replica poppies have long been used to raise funds for various causes.


In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.