The annual poppy fundraiser of the South Whidbey American Legion Auxiliary Unit 141 begins this weekend.

Paper poppies will be passed out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 20 at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal, and at the same time Sunday, May 21 at the Clinton Ferry Terminal. More poppies will be passed out on Memorial Day weekend at stores such as The Goose in Bayview and Red Apple in Clinton.

“We ask all Americans to show their support of our veterans, who have done so much to protect our rights and freedom, by wearing a red poppy on Memorial Day,” said Libby McCauley, second vice president for American Legion Auxiliary, Langley.

The poppies are made by veterans, many of whom are rehabilitating from injuries. The flowers are free, but donations are appreciated. One hundred percent of donations are used to assist veterans and their families, from providing education about benefits to helping keep the lights on.

“If they’re struggling that month, they can come to the office and we’ll pay the bill,” McCauley said.

In 1921, the American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy from a poem by Lt. Col. John McCrae written during WWI. It symbolizes the blood soldiers sacrificed at Flanders Field during the global conflict and continues as the group’s symbol for all wars have and will fight in.

A Memorial Day service is at 11 a.m. Monday, May 29 at Bayview Cemetery. A potluck luncheon will follow at The American Legion on Highway 525, Langley.