AMERICAN LEGION & AUXILIARY – RALPH M. NOBLE POST #285
Mayor Peter Schwartzman issued a Poppy Day Proclamation to Pamela Corbin, Ralph M. Noble Unit #285, American Legion Auxiliary President, Monday May 17th, preceding the City Council Meeting. Pamela thanked the Mayor and stated the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #285, is still very active and meets regularly at the VFW Post #2285 Home. The Proclamation declared May 28th & 29th, official Poppy Days in Galesburg. Unit Secretary and Poppy Chairman Alice Johnson pinned a poppy boutonnière on the Mayor.
The poppy has become a nationally known symbol of sacrifice to honor the men and women who served and died for their country in all wars. The Poppy was chosen as the American Legion memorial flower at the 1921 National Convention. Poppies are handmade by Veteran residents at Quincy Veterans Home. Materials are delivered to these Veterans and poppies are assembled for distribution in May. Veterans receive payment for their effort, and money derived from the Poppy distribution is returned to the Veterans and their families through the Legion Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation program. All funds are held in a separate account and used only for the Veterans Service Program at VA facilities and local Nursing Homes. Contributions are given to the Veterans “HONOR FLIGHT” and the “VETERANS VAN” (Providing rides to Iowa Vets. Hosp). Veteran residents in local Nursing Homes receive Christmas and Easter cards, gifts, and comfort items. A “CHRISTMAS GIFT SHOP” is provided each year at VA Hospitals where residents may select Christmas gifts for their family free of charge. This is only a few of the items budgeted from the Veterans Poppy Fund.
We urge members and friends to volunteer their services in the distribution of the Legion Memorial Poppy to the Galesburg Community. Local merchants have consented to have volunteers distribute poppies or place poppy canisters at their place of business. We appreciate their assistance and support to this worthwhile program. Those wishing to assist may call Alice Johnson, Chairman, at (309) 342 0123.
A poppy window is displayed at Lindstrom’s Appliances, on Seminary and Main, by Jeannie Lampson.
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WE THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS OVERWHELMING OBLIGATION TO OUR VETERANS!