My wife Lynn and I sold poppies for four hours at the Italian Festival at North Hempstead Town Beach Park on Sept. 7 to raise funds for indigent veterans.

Other members of Henderson-Marino VFW Post 1819 in Port Washington who participated were: Jerry Tedeschi and his wife Debbie, Maria Salazar, John Chalker and our service offier Andy Tollefsen.

The poppies are sold in memory of our deceased and living veterans who served overseas. The practice started during World War I. I noticed most folks were proud to wear them.

The crowd was upscale, friendly and generous. Maria drew some families to our booth with her face-painting for the kids, after which their parents made donations. Thank you to all who donated money that we will pass to veterans who are in need.