Poppy Days in the Olive City

For more than 70 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has carried out the Poppy Days program.

Corning's City Council recognized those efforts on Tuesday by presenting a proclamation declaring this past week as "Poppy Days" in the the city.

"This week, members of the American Legion and Auxiliary distributed handmade poppies in all communities in America in honor of the sacrifices of men and woman who died in defense of our Nation," said local American Legion member Gene May.

He said each nine-piece poppy is handmade by disabled veterans.

"The veterans are provided the materials to make the poppies and is paid a small amount for each painstakingly-made flower," May explained. "For some this is their only income."

The city proclamation reads, "Each of us owes an individual debt to those brave and courageous men and women who, through their sacrifices, have made the continuation of our liberties possible . . . it is an honor to wear the red crepe paper poppy made by the veterans in the Yountville home."

Memorial poppies are not sold, but given in exchange for a monetary donation. The donations are then used for rehabilitation and welfare of veterans and their families.