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In the wake of Veterans’ Day, Senator Dunbar and Representative Stapp Prefile Legislation Establishing Veterans’ Poppy Day in Alaska
Anchorage, AK – To show support for our nation's veterans, Senator Forrest Dunbar, D-Anchorage, and Representative Will Stapp, R-Fairbanks, will introduce legislation to establish the Friday before Memorial Day as "Veterans' Poppy Day." This initiative, inspired by historical traditions and the desire to honor and support American soldiers who died in battle, recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by those who have served our country in the armed forces.
“Veterans’ Poppy Day is a powerful way to remember and honor our fallen soldiers and ensure they receive the remembrance they deserve,” said Sen. Dunbar. “It's a day for all Alaskans and Americans to come together and remember those who have served our country with the highest honor."
Poppies have long been a symbol of remembrance and gratitude for the men and women who have served in the military. The tradition began with the famous poem "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during World War I. Poppies were among the first flowers to bloom in the war-ravaged fields of Flanders, and their red color served as a powerful symbol of the bloodshed and sacrifice of those who fought in that battle. This poem and the poppy's association with remembrance quickly spread throughout America.
On September 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of The American Legion family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during World War I. Since then, the red poppy has become a symbol of appreciation for memorializing our fallen military and their commitment to this country. The red poppy is often worn on the Friday before Memorial Day to recognize and honor those who have died during their service.
The State of Alaska has the highest veteran population in the nation per capita American Legion Units purchase about 23,000 poppies made by disabled veterans annually. Eight-thousand of these paper poppies are crafted by Unit 1 volunteers into bouquets of five poppies. These bouquets are placed on 1,450 crosses to be placed on veterans' graves at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.
“With National Poppy Day being established in 2017, we can strengthen Alaska’s support and recognition for those who have served and died for our country by officially recognizing veterans Poppy Day in Alaska,” said Jeanne Ostnes, President of American Legion Auxiliary, Jack Henry Unit 1 in Anchorage, AK.
“The poppy is a flower that is of great significance to veterans as it symbolizes life in the face of loss and hope in the face of adversity,” said Rep. Will Stapp. “The state of Alaska has the highest veteran population per capita in the nation, and adding Veterans’ Poppy Day in statute is another way for our community to show appreciation for their service and sacrifice.”
Senator Forrest Dunbar and Representative Will Stapp have both prefiled their respective legislation, which is set to be released with the first round of “prefiled legislation” in early January. The Alaska legislature is set to convene the legislative session on January 16, 2024.
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