Community Corner

Kids Make Poppies to Honor Veterans

Cobb children made hundreds of paper poppies to honor veterans and raise money for wreaths, which will be placed on veterans' graves at the Marietta Cemetery.

For the second year, kids from Cobb made hundreds of paper poppies that will be sold at to raise money for "Wreaths Across America."

"I love Project Poppy!" Benita Duling, the founder of the project and director of Traveling Trunks and Educational Activities at the park, exclaimed.

The project was inspired by Duling's grandfather who was a World War II veteran.

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"I never knew growing up that he was a veteran, and as an adult he never discussed it," Duling said. "So I never really got the chance to thank him for his service and for his sacrifice." He passed away when Duling was 24 years old.

"Project Poppy is my way of thanking not only my relations but all the people that served our country that have passed on."

"Project Poppy is my way of thanking not only my relations (her uncles are also veterans) but all the people that served our country that have passed on."

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Powder Springs Elementary students made the poppies. "It's a special thing to see these poppies that the kids make with their own little hands."

For Duling, the children's involvement is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program. "You don't have to be an adult to do something charitable. You can be five-years-old and make a difference, and these kids are doing just that."

"You don't have to be an adult to do something charitable. You can be five-years-old and make a difference, and these kids are doing just that."

The project isn't just about making poppies and raising money. "We go in and we talk to kids, teach them proper etiquette with the flag and patriotic ways," Duling explained.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park's Project Poppy will run through May 31 as part of the park's Memorial Day celebration.

"Memorial Day has become all about picnics and barbecues, but we need to remember our veterans."

When you purchase a poppy you can dedicate it to a particular veteran that has passed away. The poppies purchased are displayed in the Visitors Center, and paper plaques are placed under them with the names of veterans.

"When people see the wall of poppies they stop and think about all the lives lost for their freedom."

Last year 300 poppies were made. The poppies are sold for $1 and all proceeds go to "Wreaths Across America," which places wreaths in the Marietta Cemetery in December.

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