Please accept the kind thanks of the American Legion to all the citizens of Poulsbo and Kingston who made our poppy campaign so very successful this year. Every penny goes exclusively to fund the rehabilitation of our nation’s veterans.

Col. John McCrae’s poem from 1915 comes again to mind:

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.

John Zantek
Poulsbo