Gladbrook American Legion Jr. Auxiliary members Emma Bauer (back left), Liby Bauer (front center), and Kinley Miller (back right) pictured distributing poppies on Thursday, May 7, to Westbrook Acres residents, including Roger and Pat Sievers. Roger is a veteran. PHOTO COURTESY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – For over 100 years, the American Legion Auxiliary has sponsored Poppy Days ahead of Memorial Day to remind America that millions have sacrificed their lives and health to keep our nation strong and free. In Gladbrook, members of the Jr. Auxiliary — including Emma Bauer, Kinley Miller and Liby Bauer — distributed poppies on Thursday, May 7, in keeping with the tradition.

This is the Juniors’ favorite project of the year as all the proceeds go to help veterans and their families. They gave each resident of Westbrook Acres and Independent Living a poppy.

The following day, Friday, May 8, Gladbrook Legion Auxiliary members distributed poppies downtown along Main Street and at Casey’s gas station. The Auxiliary would like to thank all the businesses for the courtesies extended to our members.

All proceeds from Gladbrook ALA’s poppy sales go to our Veterans and their families.

National Poppy Day

On a beautiful spring day in May, Gladbrook American Legion senior member Chris Hickman, left, distributed poppies at Casey’s gas station in Gladbrook. PHOTO COURTESY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Poppy Day is celebrated in countries around the world. The American Legion Family brought National Poppy Day® to the United States by asking Congress to designate the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day.

On the Friday before Memorial Day (May 22, 2026), please wear a red poppy to honor the fallen and support the living who have worn our nation’s uniform.

Liby Bauer, Emma Bauer, Kinley Miller pictured Thursday, May 7, with the ladies (Ethel, Barb, Jackie, and Priscilla) of Westbrook Acres’ Independent Living in Gladbrook. PHOTO COURTESY JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Gladbrook American Legion senior member Marilyn Carstesen, right, pictured Friday, May 8, with Dave Wurr, left, while distributing poppies at Hometown Family Market in downtown Gladbrook. PHOTO COURTESY JEANNE PAUSTIAN