Local Students Honor Anniversary of WWI

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the Great War, better known as World War I, local high school students are putting on a special show for veterans this Saturday, November 22nd.

The performance, entitled Remembrance, will be held at the V.F.W. in Biloxi. Proceeds will help disabled veterans, a local museum, and orphaned children. In Flanders Fields is a popular poem by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, referencing the red poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers in WWI.

After the war, replicas of the flowers were sold worldwide to help children in devastated areas of France and Belgium. They also became one of the world’s most recognized symbol for soldiers who have died in conflict. Kathy Johnson, Secretary of the Women’s Auxiliary, says, "He wrote it in honor of the World War I veterans to let you know the buddy poppies represent the blood of the World War I vets."

The poppies are still in circulation by the V.F.W. and are made by disabled veterans to raise money for orphaned children at the National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Johnson also says, "That helps fund them, housing, and transportation to school. We also have scholarships for them through that and not only the children, but helps the veterans too."

The local V.F.W. and Women’s Auxiliary are on the front lines in this mission. This Saturday, in honor of the 100th anniversary of WWI, the Wings Performing Arts Program will be performing a play called Remembrance at the V.F.W. in Biloxi.

Twenty seven high school students will be reading actual letters, songs, and poems of fallen soldiers, while selling poppies to raise money for the orphans and the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Aline Humphrey, President of the Women’s Auxiliary, says, "I think that a lot of people need to really come out and see this show and learn more about the World War I veterans and what they sacrificed for our country."

Event organizers hope the guests of honor also walk away with something. Tonya Hays, Director of the Wings Performing Arts Center, says, "We’re hoping that it will inspire them and let them know that kids of this generation truly remember."

The show runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday night. Tickets are $25 per couple and include a spaghetti dinner.