Buddy Poppies fading. Few seem to know significance, bother to buy.

Arizona Daily Star ^ | May 30, 2005 | Carol Ann Alaimo

[SandRat]

On a weekend when many Tucsonans are camping in the mountains or partying at poolside, Dan Hawkins has been standing outside a supermarket in 100-degree heat, clutching a fistful of memories that seem to grow dimmer each year.

There was a time when passers-by eagerly scooped up the scarlet Buddy Poppies Hawkins has peddled each Memorial Day weekend since 1987.

Nowadays, there are far fewer takers for the bright red flowers that recall America's fallen troops.

"It used to be a big thing," said Hawkins, 72, a Vietnam veteran and leader of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7399.

"Pretty much everybody knew what it was about when

[mountn man]

I always help out vet orginizations. And all my friends know I'm very supportive of our military.

[Severa]

This is really sad...(but not wholly surprising)

Went to the NAS Brunswick commissary yesterday afternoon. NO poppies. Commissary is closed today.

Last year at this time I was in VA Beach (hubby was stationed at NAS Norfolk) and received my poppy outside of the NAS Oceana commissary.

Only in Maine, eh?

[Hot Tabasco]

Thanks! Just sent one to my entire email list!

[Hot Tabasco]

When I worked at my company's plant on Detroit's east side, there was ALWAYS a vet standing at the plant's gate with the poppies for all the years I worked there. When he finally retired, he and another vet stationed themselves at the I-94 exit to Chandler Park drive while Jerry, a Viet Nam vet took over the post at the plant.

Since I transfered to our Troy office 7 years ago, I haven't seen a poppy since. They may have been available out in my area but I just never saw them.

[SandRat]

The DAV is always looking for average Joe Citizen auxiliary members to join and help the disabled Veterans in some way. Check them out first. One of the biggest things here that the DAV is always looking for is someone to drive disabled veteran's to VA Hospital Appointments. That may be one way to help in your area through the DAV. The others have auxiliary members too I think just don't know the rules and bylaws. I'm sure that they'd appreciate the offer to help no matter what.

[SandRat]

Well call your local veteran's organizations and ask were they, where were they, and then pick one to volunteer to help sell poppies on Nov 11th.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

In Flanders Fields
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.

[SandRat]

Bravo to you! We need more folks like you.

[Semi Civil Servant]

They ignored Veterans Day well.

A real creepy bunch must own Google.

[hardworking]

It's one of those things that's handed down from the older generations.

Yes, I remember well how my grandfather and all my relatives always wore one. Unfortunately, because our schools don't teach American history anymore, and teachers are against the military, no one is passing this lovely tradition down. I suppose if someone created a flower to remember the 'Iraqi freedom fighters' the NEA would make sure all our children learned about that 'tradition'. Pardon my cynicism, but I believe it is a disgrace that our children aren't taught about these things anymore.

[SandRat]

eeeeYup! Blue State.

[SandRat]

Don't know about you but I had to memorize that poem in school. Then we all had to do reports on WWI and story of Flanders Field.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

We studied it. I don't know if I had to memorize it or not...but it's one that always stuck....

[SandRat]

Maybe it stuck with me because for all of us kids then our dads were in WWII, our moms were defense workers, our grandads had all been in WWI and even a few of the dads had been in the Korean War.

Then came Vietnam and the lefts ribald hate that may be what brought it to the level of unknowingness that it is at today.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

Isn't that the truth.

[two23]

((( Thank You! )))
FReegards!

[Betteboop]

I just bought one today, as I left the super market.

[SandRat]

Good for You!

[Hank Rearden]

Google, which goes for every obscure observance--won't put a flag or a poppy on its site for Memorial Day.

Here is Google's contact page; I sent them a note about it.

FReep 'em!

[tubebender]

We just got back from a couple of cemeterys and I am always amazed by the number of small flags placed on the veterans graves by the Veterans Groups here in Eureka. RIP...