Veterans Sell Buddy Poppies

It’s been a tradition since 1922 for Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States to sell Buddy Poppies over Memorial Day weekend. The poppies are more than just a pretty flower. They symbolize hope for many who have served this country.

The poppies are assembled by disabled veterans, and the proceeds of the fundraising campaign are used to benefit disabled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.

Barrington Village President Karen Darch declared May 24-28 as Poppy Days here in town. Trustee Jim Daluga read her proclamation at a recent Board of Trustees meeting.

“The basic purpose of the sale of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is eloquently reflected by the desire to honor the dead by helping the living,” the proclamation read. “I herby urge the citizens of this community to recognize the merits of this cause by contributing generously to its support through the purchase of Buddy Poppies showing your support and appreciation for the sacrifices of our honored dead.”

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) 

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.