As Memorial Day approaches, members of American Legion Auxiliary Unit #61 in Sutton are preparing once again to distribute red poppies throughout the community, continuing a tradition rooted in remembrance, service, and support for veterans both past and present.
National Poppy Day will be observed Friday, May 22, with Auxiliary members distributing poppies in Sutton throughout the day. This year, a group of local youth volunteers will travel from business to business carrying poppies and collecting donations in support of veteran programs and local Auxiliary projects. The Auxiliary will also host a bake sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. on May 22 at Brown’s Grocery in Sutton. Organizers say they hope the combination of poppy donations, bake sale purchases, and community support will help raise significant funds for veterans and related programs.
For many Americans, the red poppy is one of the most recognizable symbols connected to Memorial Day. The tradition dates back more than a century to World War I, when bright red poppies were seen growing across the battlefields of Europe after devastating fighting had torn through the countryside. The flower later became closely tied to the famous poem In Flanders Fields, written by Lieutenant Colonel John Mc-Crae after the loss of a friend during the war.
Over time, the poppy became an international symbol of remembrance for military members who lost their lives in service to their country. Today, wearing a poppy serves as a quiet but visible reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women. It is also meant to honor not only those who died in combat, but the families and communities forever changed by war.
Members of the Auxiliary say the poppy is also a reminder that supporting veterans should not happen only on Memorial Day, but throughout the entire year.
Funds raised through poppy donations help support a wide range of veteran programs and community This year, Sutton’s American Legion Auxiliary hopes to direct funds toward Honor Flight trips for veterans. Honor Flights provide veterans the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built in recognition of their military service and sacrifices. The trips are designed to honor veterans, many of whom never previously had the opportunity to see the monuments dedicated to their service.
Auxiliary members say the organization’s work extends far beyond a single day each May.
In addition to supporting veterans and military families, Unit #61 helps sponsor County Government Day, trick-or-treat activities for Sutton Elementary students and the Sutton Community Home, the Americanism Essay Contest, Poppy Poster Contest, Girls State, and activities connected to local Veterans Day and Memorial Day programs.
This year, the Auxiliary received 97 essays for its Americanism Essay Contest, highlighting strong participation from local students. Community members may also notice student artwork displayed in business windows around Sutton as part of the Poppy Poster Contest, another tradition designed to help younger generations learn the meaning behind Memorial Day and military sacrifice.
The Auxiliary also recently donated copies of Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and The Poppy Lady to local schools and the Sutton Library, helping share the history and meaning behind military remembrance traditions with area students and families.
Members also help support Wreaths Across America efforts in the area. More than 400 veterans are buried in Sutton Memorial Cemetery, the Catholic cemetery, and Saronville cemetery, and volunteers continue working to help secure funding and support to honor those veterans each year with wreath placements.
For many members, preserving those traditions is an important way of ensuring the sacrifices of veterans are never forgotten.
Community members are encouraged to stop and visit with Auxiliary members on May 22, support the youth volunteers, pick up a poppy, and learn more about the organization’s local efforts.
A Memorial Day Service will also be held Monday, May 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the Sutton Public School Theater. The service is open to the public.
