Memorial Day “Buddy” Poppy Raises Funds for Veterans

Fayette Memorial VFW Auxiliary 5254 in La Grange, will be conducting its annual distribution of “Buddy” Poppy to raise funds for it’s charitable programs on behalf of the needy and disabled veterans, and the surviving family members of deceased veterans.

Often when members are out in the community trying to raise funds, people are surprised to see them and some do not know the history of the poppy.

Members will be in the following locations on the morning of May 26: Texas One Stop, Weikel’s, La Grange Post Office, and Hruska’s.

Below is the poem In Flanders Fields by Col. John McCrae about the Poppy: “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.”