During the Memorial Day weekend, VFW Post 7507 members will distribute Buddy Poppies to help commemorate veterans who have given their lives for the country.

Buddy Poppies are distributed Friday and Saturday, May 24-25 at Ace Hardware, Bashas’, DJ’s Bagel Café and at Fry’s from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

The VFW will also give away Buddy Poppies at the Veterans Memorial on Memorial Day.

While supply lasts, VFW members will also give away a handout on the history of the Buddy Poppy with a poem enclosed.

The VFW adopted the poppy as its official memorial flower in 1922, though the roots go back to Belgium during World War I when Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae penned the poem, “In Flanders Field” in honor of a lost friend and comrade, a press release said.

The Buddy Poppy does so much good for so many people, yet many may be unaware of the history behind this small and mighty flower according to the handout.

For more than 90 years, the Buddy Poppy has been assembled by disabled and needy veterans who are compensated for their work. Money raised from donations goes to support veterans’ programs across the nation, including providing financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs.

VFW Post 7507 Adjutant Boe James says Buddy Poppies are distributed free of charge, however, donations are welcome.

The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to those who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home.

None of the donations received go to the local posts to support its members (except to those in special need).

Donations help the post fulfill the VFW motto of “Honoring the dead by helping the living.”

"In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae:

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and 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.