(SBA) - Every year, the Sergeant Bluff American Legion Post 662 Auxiliary participates in the National Poppy Day® donation drive in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day. This day holds profound significance for the Sergeant Bluff community and across the United States.
The local American Legion Post 662 Auxiliary will be at the Sergeant Bluff Post Office on Monday, May 12th, and at the Sergeant Bluff Fareway Grocery Store on Saturday, May 17th, after 11 a.m., to accept donations for poppies to support our veterans.
The tradition of wearing red poppies dates back to World War I, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poppy, which flourished in the war-torn fields of Europe, became a symbol of the blood shed by soldiers. In 1920, the poppy was adopted as the official flower of the American Legion family, and by 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program led by the American Legion Auxiliary.
In the weeks leading up to and on National Poppy Day®, officially held on May 23rd this year, millions of handmade red crepe paper poppies will be distributed across the country in exchange for donations. These donations directly support disabled and hospitalized veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families.
The impact of National Poppy Day® extends beyond the symbolic gesture. It fosters a sense of unity and gratitude, encouraging Americans to honor the fallen and support the living heroes who have worn our nation’s uniform. The funds raised through poppy donations provide essential medical and financial assistance, ensuring that veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
The Sergeant Bluff American Legion Post 662 Auxiliary assists military veterans in many ways throughout the community. One of their initiatives is the Partners for Patriots program, which empowers veterans with trained dogs as loyal companions that offer both emotional and physical support. These service dogs are much more than pets—they are trained protectors, skilled helpers, and unwavering companions. For veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), or physical disabilities, these dogs can be life-changing. Since its inception in 2009, Partners for Patriots has placed 178 service dogs across the United States.
Partners for Patriots relies heavily on the generosity of donors like the American Legion Auxiliary to help fund its programs. Donations help cover the costs of obtaining, training, and delivering service dogs, as well as providing up to seven days of training for the veteran to ensure the best possible results.
Other programs Post 662 Auxiliary are involved in include the “Quilts of Valor” program, which is dedicated to honoring and comforting service members and veterans touched by war through the gift of handmade quilts. They also support the Honor Flight program, which honors American veterans by transporting them to Washington, D.C., to visit and reflect at the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices. Funds for these programs are raised through bake sales, Poppy Day donations, and a host of other events throughout the year. In a ceremony held on April 5, 2025, the Post 662 Auxiliary generously donated $1,000 to the Honor Flight program to help send a veteran to Washington, D.C.
I encourage everyone in Sergeant Bluff to stop by the SB Post Office on May 12th and the SB Fareway on May 17th to donate and wear the poppy proudly as a thank you to all who have served, sacrificed, and defended the freedoms we now enjoy.
