05/24/2010: "Poppy Days Are Here!"

(Mayor Lacher Proclamation To Nancy Vejvoda, President of American Legion Auxiliary )

Poppies made by veterans… to remember veterans… to help veteransWear a red poppy in support of veterans. On Thursday, Mayor Lacher officially proclaimed May 15 through May 31st as Poppy Days in the Town of Friday Harbor. During these 16 days leading up to Memorial Day, members of the American Legion and its Auxiliary will be offering paper poppies to the public to wear in remembrance of veterans of the United States military services.
Learn more about the history of the poppy, and wear a poppy proudly!

In Memoriam
Have you ever looked, really looked, at a soldier's face? Sometimes it's young, barely an adult the hopes of youth still painted in its features. Sometimes it's old older than faith, older than wisdom, older than time. And sometimes...sometimes it's a bit of both all at once. Sometimes it's gritty and pained, remembering the face of another who has fallen.

Sometimes it's laughing, pleased to have a moment of peace. Most of the time it's proud because it knows, oh yes it knows, the world is a different place a better place because of it.

Next time you look at a soldier's face, see if you can find that glint of pride. Sometimes it’s hidden, and you have to search it out. You'll find it in the eyes always in the eyes. For the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul, even a soldier's soul. And when you've carefully examined every feature of that soldier's face, stand up straight and tall and smile your best smile.

Thank that soldier, because he does what some cannot or will not. He defends what is right with his very life. But more important, he defends a perfect stranger, you.

And when you see a flag covered casket, stand in memoriam of all the soldier's faces you've examined. For when one of them falls, they all fall. And when one of them stands, they all stand. Shouldn't we stand with them? -Lilian Leader