American Legion Post 303 thanks local businesses for donations

Post 303 presented plaques to three RVC businesses that allowed them to solicit donations for their Poppies that they did in April and May to honor veterans.

Walter Paruch and Jim Keane of Post 303 headed the poppy program and presented the plaques to Associated manager Ralph Fischetto, Front Street Bakery manager Lisa Acerno, and Golden Reef Diner owner Jimmy Trahanas.

After World War I, the poppy flourished in Europe. Scientists attributed the growth to soils in France and Belgium becoming enriched with lime from the rubble left by the war.

From the dirt and mud grew a beautiful red poppy. The red poppy came to symbolize the blood shed during battle following the publication of the wartime poem "In Flanders Fields."

Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, M.D. wrote the poem 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.