The Oxford American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 108, Oxford American Legion Post 108 and Sons of American Legion Squadron 108 will be on the streets of Oxford and at various Oxford businesses distributing poppies May 18-20
All proceeds from the distribution of poppies are used to benefit Veterans and their families in the Oxford area.
The need for assistance is growing due to many of our elderly Veterans in need of assistance with handicapped ramps and assistance with medical and special needs.
We have been called upon to assist Veterans and their families who are now serving in Iraq because the spouse and families left behind are finding themselves in financial difficulties.
We have been helping to support families in paying rent, overdue bills and other financial needs. The needs are growing greater and the resources are dwindling.
The funds from the Poppy funds assist disabled men and women in hospitals, nursing homes, and homeless shelters.
The Poppies are handmade of red crepe paper by Veterans in hospitals and poppy workrooms in shelters. The materials for making the poppies are furnished free by the Michigan Department of the American Legion. The Veterans receive about 10 cents for each poppy they make and the small proceeds they receive are for their use for any personal needs while hospitalized or living in shelters.
The American Legion was the first national organization to adopt the poppy as its Memorial Flower in 1920.
The American Legion Auxiliary adopted the Poppy as its Memorial Flower in 1921, pledging 100 percent of the profits to the welfare relief for servicemen and servicewomen and their families, fulfilling the true meaning of the poppy, an emblem of faith; faith which is being kept with all who died through service to the living.
The generous response from the residents and businesses in Oxford in the past has been greatly appreciated.
We hope that all who see the men and women on the streets and at businesses will give generously from the heart this year.
Please remember to thank a Veteran for serving our Country in the past and the Veteran serving now. That little ‘thank you? is so very big to them.