05/26/2026
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely signing, fly
scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe;
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Col. John McCrae
This immortal poem is dedicated to the memory of the men and women who served, fought and died in France during World War I, the poppies of which he wrote have become the true symbol of all those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.
The Buddy Poppy was adopted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States as the official symbol of remembrance for all our service men and women since WWI who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Members of VFW Post 4608 will be outside Ledyard Village Market, Navy Exchange and Navy Commissary on Friday and Saturday from 9AM to 5PM on May 29th & 30th holding their semi-annual Buddy Poppy Drive raising funds to help veterans and their families in the community. If you are in the area, stop by their table, pick up a poppy and wear it proudly to show your support for their sacrifice.
