Long Beach embraces 'Poppy Month' to honor heroes

In a display of community spirit and remembrance, the Long Beach Girl Scout Troop 2178 continues to uphold the tradition of their “Poppy Power Project,” aiming to honor veterans and active military personnel while supporting veteran causes.

In addition to this, the month of May will now be declared “Poppy Month” in the City of Long Beach. The city announced the dedication before the main agenda began at the April 16 City Council meeting.

“We urge all of our citizens to wear the poppy to show gratitude to the men and women of this country who risked their lives in defense of the freedom we enjoy as American citizens,” City Manager Daniel Creighton said. “Please consider generously supporting it and show your support for VFW and auxiliary and never forget those who served on our behalf. Thank you to the volunteers of the VFW for all the great work that they do daily.”

Originating in 2019, Troop 2178 launched the “Poppy Power Project” with a mission to grow an appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in service and draw attention to the challenges they face.

Inspired by the World War I poem, “In Flanders Field,” the troop wanted to create a tangible symbol of gratitude. According to the American Legion, after World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe, with scientists attributing the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war.

The red poppy, which began to grow, came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem. The poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae while serving on the front lines.

On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

“A three-foot metal poppy will be ‘planted’ with a personalized tag for each veteran or active military person which will be on view on the grassy median across from the VFW Post on Park Avenue before and after the holiday,” said Jackie Ervolina, president of VFW Post 1384.

This initiative, now in its fifth year, has become a beloved tradition for the troop, with the original sixth-grade founders now leading the project as high schoolers.

To ensure the continuation of this meaningful endeavor, the VFW Post 1384 has proudly adopted the “Poppy Power Project,” rallying the community to participate in honoring veterans and active military personnel.

Anyone can participate by making a $20 donation, which sponsors the creation of a personalized poppy bearing the name of a military hero.

“All proceeds from the fundraiser go directly to supporting veteran causes,” Ervolina said. “It’s not just about honoring our veterans; it’s about actively supporting them and the challenges they face.”

Order forms and more information regarding the poppies can be made by contacting Mjevfwa@gmail.com. Options include cash, checks, or money orders, with forms and payments to be mailed to Poppy Power Project at 82 Pennsylvania Ave.

In planting a poppy, residents can honor individual heroes while contributing to a collective effort to uplift and assist those who have served our nation.