District 18 Poppy Chairman Judith Tabacchi of La Verne has announced the American Legion Auxiliary Units in the San Gabriel Valley will soon be celebrating “Poppy Week”, May 10^th to 16^th, 2009, and offering veteran-made poppies to the public.

The red crepe paper poppy, a replica of the Flanders Poppy, was officially adopted in 1921 as the memorial flower of The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary. Poppies are hand-made Inflatable Water Slide exclusively by hospitalized veterans, purchased by the Auxiliary Units and offered to the public. For hospitalized veterans making the poppies is therapy as well as a source of income, for many the only source of income.

It is hoped that the public will join the Auxiliary members and “Wear a Poppy with Pride”, the poppy with a heart, during Poppy Week and on Memorial Day as well. Donations may be sent to any local Unit or to District 18 Public Relations Chairman Peggy McIntosh, 7003 Encinita Ave., San Gabriel 91775, and poppies will be sent to each contributor.