The Disabled American Veterans Chapter #41 is set to host its annual Forget-Me-Not flower drive Saturday, September 8, 2018, at Walmart’s Ville Platte location.
The drive will take place from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m, and will consist of local veterans and officials passing out a small blue flower to those who stop by the organizations tent on Saturday.
The flowers being passed out will be free of charge, however the DAV will be accepting donations during this event.
Local veteran Jerry Verrette said, “This yearly drive is meant for the purpose of raising funds to support local initiatives that help veterans receive their benefits, prevent homelessness, provide transportation to hospitals and a wide range of volunteer efforts that show our nation’s gratitude to those who sacrificed on our behalf.”
According to the website www.dav.org, “The idea behind the Forget-Me-Not flower grew out of an image carried home from the First World War in the memories of soldiers who had seen spring flowers growing among the graves of comrades and allies killed in the fighting.”
The website also shared that “the flower soon became the accepted symbol for commemorating those who had fallen in war. It’s an appropriate symbol to remind us continually of the service and sacrifice that make our way of life possible. This symbol of living history is a legacy that continues to serve veterans of all eras today as it did in the aftermath of World War I.”
DAV Chapt. #41 will have a tent set up near the entrance of Walmart on Saturday for those who wish to receive a blue flower and donate to the local veteran organization. And, for the veterans who will be passing out flowers to the public, Verrette said, “This is just one way that we are fulfilling our promises to the men and women who serve.”
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ELIZABETH WEST Managing Editor