Three “Poppy Princesses” Represent Remembrance and Hope

American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit 376 has had a proud tradition of selecting a member (or members) from the ALA Jrs. as Miss Poppy each year. The Poppy Princess represents the Unit in the Memorial Day parade and brings awareness about the red poppy as a symbol to honor the fallen and support the living heroes who have worn our nation’s uniform.

With 2019 being the 100th anniversary of Post 376, the Auxiliary decided to do something a little differently. The Unit's Poppy Program Committee, chaired by Terrill Sutton and Julie Blanford, decided to have three related generations of Poppy Princesses.

The first Miss Poppy is Peggy Braman, a nineteen-year member of Unit 376 and daughter of Charles "Chuck" Braman, a US Marine, who served in the Korean conflict. Peggy is mother to Taylor Simpson, the second Miss Poppy.  Taylor is the granddaughter of Dean Simpson, who served in the US Army in Vietnam. She joined the ALA as a Junior member back when she was 13 years-old. Years later, Taylor is mother to Allis May Montgomery, the third Miss Poppy.

Taylor's daughter is three-year-old Allis, who's already been a Junior ALA member for two years.

This year, these three ALA members honor their veterans Chuck Braman and Dean Simpson, by representing Unit 376 with pride and diplomacy. They're also helping to promote the poppy flower, and what it stands for.

Incidentally, Chuck Braman was also in the Memorial Day parade this year, riding in a golf cart, alongside Buster Lewis who served in WWII - thanks to CNY Custom.

All donations received for the red crepe paper poppies will be used by The American Legion Family to support the future of local veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Learn more about Unit 376 at: oxford-ala.chenango.org . For inquiries email: Events@OxfordNY.com or call the American Legion at (607) 843-8166.