Department

"Honor Their Service"

From 2018-2019 Department of Alaska President Debbie Lowndes

Greetings American Legion Family,

The American Legion Auxiliary’s Poppy Program is a valuable program that should be remembered more often than just in May or November. Distribute the poppies year-round, make your Unit visible. By being visible in our communities, we are drawing the attention of potential members. They see that you are actively leading the way in helping our veterans, military and their families.

Since 1921 connecting the poppy image with the service and sacrifice of our veterans has been an important goal of the American Legion Auxiliary. The poppies are all handmade by veterans and distributed in exchange for donations that go directly to assist veterans and veteran programs in our communities.

By distributing and educating the public about the symbol of the poppy we are raising awareness and respect for our veterans.

Program facts:

• Every poppy is handmade by a veteran.
• Posts that do not have an Auxiliary can also work the program.
• Poppies are never sold; they are offered as a thank you for any donation.
• All donations made to the poppy program go directly to veteran’s programs.
• Veterans who hand make the poppies receive a small stipend for their work.

Promote the poppy program:

• Educate your community about how funds collected help veterans.
• Contact local legislative offices to announce poppy distribution days, and request proclamations declaring Poppy Days in your community.
• Deliver poppies to local media (television, newspaper and radio) along with facts about where and when poppies will be distributed in our community.

From Our Newly-elected

Department President

From 2019-2020 Department of Alaska President Jane Larson