District 18 Poppy Chairman Linda Smith of San Dimas has announced the American Legion Auxiliary Units in the San Gabriel Valley will soon be celebrating “Poppy Week”, May 15^th 21^st, 2011, 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 exclusively by hospitalized veterans, purchased by the Auxiliary Units and offered to the public.   For hospitalized veterans making the inflatable water slide 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.  Poppies are available at S’n S’ Postal Center, 5917 Oak Ave., Temple City, donations  may be sent to any local Unit and poppies will be mailed to each contributor.