Big Lake Legion Post 147, Big Lake Auxiliary sell poppies every Mother’s Day weekend. Last year, they raised $6,130 for funding veteran organizations such as, Wreaths for the Fallen, Veteran Gift Cards, Veteran Stand Down, Mn. State Veterans Association, Quilting Committee Supplies and Poppy Suppies. This year they had 25 volunteers from Legion members, Auxiliary members and Girl Scouts Troop 281. 

For 22 years, Judy McVeigh had been in charge of the poppies. As of this year, Debbie Johnson succeeded the position.

History 

In 1920 following World War I, the Poppy became the National Memorial Flower of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. While it is a symbol of honoring the diseased service members, it also assists the living veterans. From 1914-1918. Flanders Fields was a major battle field on the Western front during the first world war. A million soldiers from 50 different countries were wounded or killed in action there. The artillery shells that churned up the soil not only maimed and killed soldiers but brought Clostridia, the deadly bacteria to the surface. It also encouraged the proliferation and growth of the dormant poppy seeds that later bloomed in their beauty on the barren scarred land in the cemeteries. 

John McCrae wrote the poem In Flanders Fields in 1915 which inspired the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. 

Helpers

Volunteer Legion members: Don Deuel, Bill Hannay, Jerry Mallon, Tom Marzalak, Dave Massena, Jarod Wade Nelson, Kevin Paul and Richard Wingard. 

Auxiliary: Marge Anderson, Debbie Johnson, Judy McVeigh, Corky Nienaber, Lou Otten, Judy Ronallo,Deli Stein,Betty Wheeler, Betty Wold and Gloria VanderBrake.

Girl Scouts Troop 281: Cheyenne Bayer, Crissie Bayer, Korra Hagen, Hattie Krueth, Lynn Krueth, Eowyn Mlodzik and Kevin Mlodzik.

To Volunteer, join the Legion or to make donations. 

Legion contact: Bill Hannay 612-325-BILL (2455). Big Lake Legion Post 147 P.O. Box 418 Big Lake, Mn 55309 

Auxiliary Contact: Debbie Johnson 763-568-5558. Big Lake Auxiliary P. O Box 156 Big Lake, Mn 55309.

Many thanks to all those who support the area’s veterans by one’s active volunteering, membership and donations.