Whereas, 2022 marks the 99th Anniversary of the World War I Buddy Poppy; Whereas, the annual Buddy Poppy Day by the Veterans of Foreign War of the United States has been officially recognized and endorsed by governmental leaders since 1922; Whereas, Whatley-Flaherty VFW Post 5002 is observing its annual Buddy Poppy Salute to Veterans and will conduct its annual Buddy Poppy Day distribution on 11 November 2022; Whereas, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans and proceeds of this worthy campaign are used exclusively for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans and for widows and orphans of the deceased veterans; Whereas, the purpose of the annual Buddy Poppy Day by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is eloquently reflected in the desire to Honor the Dead by Helping the Living; Therefore, I, LaDawn Cooper Edwards, Mayor, proclaim 11 November 2022 as Buddy Poppy Day in the Town of Jena and do hereby urge the citizens of this community to recognize this cause by supporting through donations to Buddy Poppies on the day set aside for the distribution of these symbols of appreciation for our military men and their families. In Witness Thereof I have set my hand this day.