Miss Poppy 2008 |
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We are proud to introduce you to Post 490's 2008 Representative: Miss Irelynn A. Sheehan |
| The Earl J
Manning Post 490 is happy to announce this year’s Miss Poppy is Irelynn A. Sheehan. Irelynn is a 10 year-old fourth grader in Mrs.
Brinsko’s class at Stillwater Elementary School. Her favorite subject in school is science and she
aspires to be a Marine Biologist when she grows up. Irelynn’s
hobbies and interests include: softball,
basket ball, sleepovers with friends, camping, Web Kinz and American Girl dolls. Irelynn A. Sheehan is very lucky to have what is called an extended family. She has two sisters Breanna and Molly and is the daughter of Paul E. and Pam Sheehan. Her Paternal Grandparents are John and Beth Sheehan and Maternal Grandmother is Melodie Birkmayer. Her Paternal Great Grandfather is Paul W. Sheehan and Maternal Great Grandmother is Gloria Devine. Irelynn is very excited to be chosen by the Auxiliary to be the representative of this important tradition. If you would like to meet Miss Sheehan and buy a Poppy, she will be selling her poppies at the Stillwater Post Office on Saturday May 17th and on Sunday May 18th at Stewart’s. She will also recite "In Flanders Field" at the Memorial Day ceremony after she hands out candy riding in the Miss Poppy car that leads Post 490's Memorial parade on May 23rd. |
The origin of the poppy selling goes back to post World War I after John McCrae's poem “In Flanders Fields” was published in 1915 the poppy became a popular symbol for soldiers who died in battle. Three years later an American, Moina Michael, was working in a New York City YMCA canteen when she started wearing a poppy in memory of the millions who died on the battlefield. During a 1920 visit to the United States, a French woman, Madame Guerin, learned of the poppy custom. On her return to France she decided to use handmade poppies to raise money for the destitute children in war-torn areas of the country. In November, 1921, the first poppies were distributed in Canada. The Custom was then adopted by the American Legion to remember all fallen soldiers and to raise money to aid veteran programs.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the
poppies blow
Between the
crosses, row on row,
That mark our
place; and in the sky
The larks, still
bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid
the guns below.
We are the Dead.
Short days ago
We lived, felt
dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were
loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel
with the foe:
To you from
failing hands we throw
The torch; be
yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith
with us who die
We shall not
sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields…
--John McCrea
Miss Poppy 2007 |
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Miss Samantha Dunn Eight year old Samatha, attends the second grade at Stillwater Elementary School. In her spare time, she loves to read, play sports and spend time with her friends. Samatha is a member of the Bowling League and has recently signed up for the cheerleading team and is in the process of becoming a Girl Scout. She carries on a family tradition of being selected as Post 490's Miss Poppy. Her mother, Cindy, was selected in 1976 and her cousin in 1994. Samatha is the grandaughter of Legion member, Herbert, and Auxiliary member Judy Doten, Joseph and Eleanor Coon, and Judith Terns of Schenectady. |
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