Tim Leeds Havre Daily News tleeds@havredailynews.com
People who see youths holding silk poppies and donations cans this week are seeing the latest of many activities under way from the Havre Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 497. The youths are giving Buddy Poppies and accepting donations used to fund activities sponsored by the local VFW, said Laura Martin, includ- ing youth activities and services for veterans and their families. “The kids will be out. If you see them get your poppy and make your donation,” Martin said Thursday, the start of the Buddy Poppy drive. The drive continues through next Tuesday, going through ceremonies and a meal scheduled for Veterans Day on Sunday. “We’re hoping to have a large turnout for the event and dinner Sunday,” Martin said. The youths handing out the poppies are members of the VFW Junior Rifle Club which is instructed by Martin’s husband, Randy Martin, and coached by Laura Martin. The rifle club is also holding a raffle to raise funds for its own activities. Martin said 400 tickets are being sold at $20 each. As soon as all 400 are hold, the drawing will be conducted and every ticket will be drawn. She said the tickets drawn at certain numbers will be given a specific cash prize, with one dollar amount being given at specific tickets drawn, such as the second ticket receiving one prize and the 50th receiving another. One $1,500, one $500, eight $100 and 16 $50 prizes will be awarded in the drawing. Martin said the main event will be Sunday, when ceremonies honoring past and current veterans, including those now serving in conflicts overseas, will start at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial Wall at t h e Town Square on the 300 block of First Street. Post 497 Commander Bill Bilger has extended an invitation for everyone to come attend the ceremony. Bilger and VFW Club manager Gary Crossler have also extended the invitation to continued ceremonies at the club following the event at the memorial wall. The ceremonies at the club feature Chinook Judge Perry Miller as the keynote speaker and are followed by a free lunch. Martin said both the VFW and the rifle club are looking for additional members. The shooting club, which has started its season, has many slots still open, she said. It practices on Monday and Tuesday with one-hour sessions starting at 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. each night. Martin also said the VFW and its auxiliary are also inviting people, both veterans and their families, to come to the organization.
