The first time the Hays VFW Post 9076 Ladies Auxiliary entered, they won–first place in the national VFW  “Buddy” Poppy display contest.

Poppy chairman Arilla Wear, with help from her fiance Brandon Clark, who is a military veteran, and a friend still serving, created the display.

It features the story of the VFW Buddy Poppy, and the famous poem from World War I, “In Flanders Fields The Poppies Blow.”  A cut-out of the WWII Iwo Jima memorial is front and center.

A second display was made by auxiliary member Thea Beckner for the decorative category.  It features a replica of the Statue of Liberty torch made entirely of Buddy Poppies.  Beckner’s entry took first place in the state contest.

Both table top exhibits have been displayed at various veterans-related programs this month.

See more tonight on Eagle Local News, Eagle Community TV Channel 14.