Posted on 05/30/2005 8:15:09 AM PDT by 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
(Excerpt) Read more at dailystar.com ...
I have my poppie do you?
Google, which goes for every obscure observance--won't put a flag or a poppy on its site for Memorial Day.
I have about 4 thanks to my kids. (MoJo goes shopping and the kids hand over my money. Ain't that nice of them? Hehe! I don't mind at all when it comes to our Veterans!) They also have 2 suckers each. Thank you to our Veterans that were out in full force at the commissary, Kmart, Wally World (Walmart for you more sophisticated folks out there), and Farm Fresh.
Happy Memorial Day!
Never forget!
Thank you to all of our past, present, and future Veterans.
That bothered me too! Time to quit using Google, I think.....
Don't see the poppie folks out anymore.
:(
I got my poppy. I think the VFW should do a little PR and inform people what they are about. Even the most liberal paper or TV station has a slow news day sometimes and they might be able to actually get a bit of coverage. If wearing 15 stupid rubber bands on your wrist is cool, being in the news would automatically boost poppy sales. I bet not 1 in 100 people under 21 could tell you what the poppies are for, but if one showed up in a movie, look out! Stampede!
People are so driven by the media it's ridiculous.
My wife bought one yesterday because her dad and grandfather always bought them. It's one of those things that's handed down from the older generations.
Interesting observation
Unfortunately I think that only the WWII and Korean War generations know the meaning.
It's no secret that the owners/operators of Google bend to the left. Try this: www.clusty.com
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.
Don't ask about magnets for the car or the metal clad door between the garage and kitchen, OUCH! Talk about an easy mark for any group selling in front of the Commissary or PX.
Not if I plant the poppies the VFW/American-Legion/DAV/POW/Purple Heart Assoc sell.
Ask your local VFW or American Legion why?
and now are you going to seek out the veterans organization selling Buddie-Poppies and educate others?
Try clusty.com.
Google can go jump in the lake.
Yes-Yes-Yes!
Some of us remember having to memorize that poem in grade school for the schools participation in the Memorial Day activities (school didn't let out until the 2nd week in June).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.