Poppy Day Proclamation

PARK FALLS — The city of Park Falls has officially declared Poppey Day for May 24. The proclamation, signed by Mayor Tara Tervort on May 6, states that millions have answered the call to arms and have died on the field of battle. A nation at peace must be reminded of the debt owed to those who have died in war, and so the red poppy was designated as the memorial flower as a symbol of sacrifice, of lives in all wars.

The mayor asked that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing the memorial copy on this day. American Legion Park Falls Auxiliary Unit 182 President Sandy Dane, and Unit Chaplain Judy LeClair-Lemke were present at city hall for the signing.

“I just want to give a thank you to the auxiliary, and to Sandy and Judy for organizing this every year,” Tervort said. “I just want to give kudos to them for their hard work and making sure that we remember this and do this every year.”

On Friday, May 24, the auxiliary members and other volunteers will be out in force to distribute poppies all day at several area businesses. Some of the locations will include Super One Foods, True Value Hardware, Northwoods Community Credit Union, the R-Store, BP, Forward Bank and Park Pharmacy.

Dane provided the background for the poppy, noting that memorial poppies are made with red crepe paper by hand by disabled veterans in hospitals and poppy rooms in 40 states. Legion auxiliary units distribute poppies nationwide in order to continue the mission of remembrance. Free will offerings are accepted to help recoup the costs of producing the poppies, along with supporting veterans at VA hospitals and programs.