Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:   The annual distribution of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has been officially recognized and endorsed by governmental leaders since 1922; and

WHEREAS:   VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans and the proceeds of this worthy fund-raising campaign are used exclusively for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans; and

WHEREAS:   The basic purpose of the annual distribution of Buddy Poppies by the Veteran of Foreign Wars is eloquently reflected in the desire to “Honor the Dead by Helping the Living”;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dennis “Boog” Highberger, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim Saturday, November 12, 2005 to be

“BUDDY POPPY DAY”

and urge the citizens of Lawrence to recognize the merits of this cause by contributing generously to its support through the purchase of Buddy Poppies for the distribution of these symbols of appreciation for the sacrifices of our honored dead

I urge all patriotic citizens to wear a Buddy Poppy as mute evidence of our gratitude to the men and women of this country who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American citizens.

                                                          Dennis “Boog” Highberger

                                                          Mayor

November 8, 2005