Blacksburg VFW 4941 Post and its Ladies Auxiliary will be conducting their annual Buddy Poppy drive Friday, May 23, and Saturday, May 24.

"We will be distributing Buddy Poppies at several locations in and around Blacksburg," said Clarence E. Hammett, VFW Post 4941 Commander. "When you see these veterans out this Memorial Day weekend, please thank them for their service to our country, purchase a Buddy Poppy and wear it proudly. Please remember that these veterans have fought for our

freedom and some are still doing

so."

Money received will be used to help needy veterans and their families in the community.

In 1923, VFW became the first veterans organization to promote a nationally organized campaign for the annual distribution of Poppies, which are assembled by disabled or hospitalized veterans. More than 14 million Poppies are assembled today and the members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary are distributing the Poppies.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars, founded in 1899, is the nation's oldest major veterans organization with more than 1.8 million members.

"Our veterans thank you for your support," Hammett said. "God Bless you and God Bless America."