Poppies for patriotism: Buddy Poppy Days to be held May 24-26

Published 6:21 am Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Mayor Tom Stiehm and the Austin City Council proclaimed May 24-26 as Buddy Poppy Days during the council’s regular meeting on May 6.

In the proclamation, Stiehm urges “all patriotic citizens to wear a Buddy Poppy as mute evidence of our gratitude to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.”

For a freewill donation, residents can purchase a buddy poppy from VFW Post 1216 in Austin. Members of the VFW will also be selling poppies this Friday at Hy-Vee, Walmart and Runnings.

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“It’s our main fundraiser for the VFW,” said VFW Commander Scott Weichmann. “All of the money that comes form the drive goes into the relief fund. All that money is used for veterans, their families, or to promote Americanism and patriotism.”

Weichmann also said that businesses can get poppy cards to be displayed in support of veterans.

“Austin does do a great job in supporting the poppy drive,” he said. “Most people have come to understand the importance of remembering veterans on Memorial Day and those that gave their lives for their country. It’s very encouraging and it builds up our morale at our post to know that the citizens of Austin are supporting this program and understand the sacrifices that have been made by our service men and women. It’s a huge thing to get those funds into our relief fund.”

“Thank you to everyone that is out there supporting the VFW poppy program and supporting our veterans,” he added.