For many many years now, the VFW's and American Legions across our country raise funds to assist our veterans and our communities.
The Story behind the Poppy: http://www.cal-mum.com/poppy.htm
For quite a few years now, the Fridley VFW always submitted an entry for fun competition as well as to recognize their Posts hard work and volunteerism. The Girls Junior Unit submitted their entry this year with 'High' hopes to go all the way with the Poppy display. However, submissions are first judged at the District level. To move on to State they have to win first place. Well, they did!
However, this is the beauty of winning District. On December 7th, 2013, the 72nd Anniversary of 'A Date that will live in infamy' the girls had their Poppy on display for judging. Would some say it was a slightly unfair advantage? Either way it's hard to find a word that describes their display they created to remember the fallen and the events that happened on December 7th, 1941 in Pearl Harbor. Personally...I sit here trying to think of one. "Perfect!"
The day they won District, stories were told of the Veterans that would stand looking over the display were in awe and yes, some were in tears and walked away wiping their faces and remembering a time that some will never be forgotten.
An event was taking place at the VFW in Fridley that day and after District the display came home and was put out for everyone to see. Let's just say, I think everyone was quite impressed.
So, they set their sights on State! The Mid Winter Conference in downtown Minneapolis. It was held on January 25th. Dave Locker, the father of the Junior Units president Katie Locker (Grand Daughter to Post 363's first commander) was at the convention representing the Men's Auxiliary while the girls and some of the mothers went out shopping. Well Dave had the privledge of calling Katie when they came by and placed the Blue Ribbon on their display. Let's just say it was a very exciting moment, especially when you have quite a few girls ranging from 10 to 16 years old.
Now, I may be wrong, but I'm quite sure this is their first chance to win Nationals that will be held in St. Louis, MO July 19th thru July 23rd. This is a pretty big deal, not only for the Girls Junior Unit, but also to recognize the VFW Fridley. But most of all to make sure we never forget...
Anytime you would like to come by the VFW Fridley and get a closer look at the display and read the brief story that goes with it, the doors are always open to the public and they would love to have you.
