On Nov. 9, members of the American Legion Auxiliary will be handing out red paper poppies at the Kroger grocery story on U.S. 278 and at the Walmart on Industrial Boulevard.

The poppy campaign is held each year in conjunction with the celebration of Veterans Day. The reference comes from the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields,’’ which was written about the fallen from World War I.

Although the poppies are given out free of charge, donations collected through the campaign help the Auxiliary support veterans as well as other community programs.

So, when you are out shopping next weekend, please consider contributing a few dollars to help the American Legion continue to support our local heroes.

This is one way we can all show that we haven’t forgotten the sacrifices made and the lives lost in service to our country.