PITTSBURG, Kan. — With Memorial Day Weekend comes the official start to summer vacation. But before we start looking forward to barbeques, badminton, fishing trips, swimming, and a possible road trip, be sure to take time out to remember those who have given their “last full measure of devotion” to safeguard the country we have and the freedoms we enjoy.

There are two opportunities to give back and recognize the sacrifices that have been made on our behalf over the past two-and-a-half centuries.

The first is a poppy fundraiser host by American Legion Post 394 in Pittsburg. This is special for a couple of reasons. First off, Post 394 membership is exclusively women veterans and is the only all-female post in Kansas.

The poppies are handmade by veterans and symbolize the sacrifices made by our fallen soldiers. The tradition comes out of the carnage of World War I. Despite the wanton destruction and moonscape terrain created by the near constant bombardment, these little flowers still managed to grow and bloom amidst the destruction, symbolizing hope and the promise of life.

Since then, the poppy has been worn in remembrance of those who have fought and died for their country.

The Lady Legionnaires will be at Ron’s Supermarket and Meadowbrook Mall on Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23 taking donations to give to veteran-only nursing homes.

Another opportunity to serve is Memorial Day itself. In what has become a local tradition, American flags will be posted at Highland Park Cemetery, 2025 S Broadway, Pittsburg, beginning at 6 a.m. on Monday. The flags will fly all day and be retrieved at 4 p.m. Monday night.

Volunteers are needed to post and retrieve the flags. Breakfast will be provided in the morning, and pizza will be provided in the afternoon.