SB 159-ALASKA VETERANS' POPPY DAY   3:36:38 PM  CHAIR KAWASAKI announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 159 "An Act establishing Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day; and providing for an effective date." 3:36:52 PM SENATOR DUNBAR, District J, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, sponsor for SB 159. He said SB 159 establishes Alaska Veterans Poppy Day on the Friday before Memorial Day. The poppy has been used as a symbol of remembrance for fallen members of the military since the late 17th century, but became most prominent during and after World War I (WWI). Inspiring the use of the poppy, In Flanders Field was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae who presided over a funeral for Lieutenant Alexis Helmer. The poppy became the official flower of the American Legion in 1920 and was first distributed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1922 before Memorial Day. He expressed that establishing Veterans Poppy Day is one way to honor fallen veterans and remember the purpose of Memorial Day. 3:38:43 PM SETH TIGARIAN, Staff, Senator Forrest Dunbar, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, presented the sectional analysis for SB 159. [Original punctuation provided.] SECTIONAL ANALYSIS  SB 159: ALASKA VETERANS' POPPY DAY  Section 1: Designates the Friday before Memorial Day as "Alaska Veterans' Poppy Day." Section 2: Establishes the effective date as date of passage. 3:39:28 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI asked if there are any other Alaskan holidays that have been established on the Friday immediately preceding Memorial Day. 3:39:39 PM MR. TIGARIAN replied that he does not believe so. 3:40:00 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI announced invited testimony. 3:40:25 PM JEANNE OSTNES, President, American Legion Auxiliary, Jack Henry Unit 1, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 159. She said National Poppy Day was set forth by the American Legion in 2017 after it was brought forth to U.S. Congress. The poppy was first distributed nationwide by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in 1922 before Memorial Day. VWF adopted the flower as the "buddy poppy." The day of remembrance is a way to show that the state appreciates veteran sacrifice and service. The American Legion Auxiliary unit has 200 members while its post has 800 in Alaska. American Legion orders approximately 23 thousand poppies each year for Alaska. The poppy is displayed at several graves in Anchorage. The concept for Poppy Day encourages people to display and wear the poppy as a symbol of remembrance and hope. She urged that poppy funds must only be used for the welfare of veterans and active-duty military personnel when a financial or medical necessity exists. 3:46:10 PM MS. OSTNES conveyed that the National Warriors Foundation and its Executive Director expressed support for SB 159 to show its commitment to past and current armed forces. The bill allows the opportunity for communities to express appreciation for veterans, provides a platform for citizens to donate proceeds to veterans and their families, and creates an opportunity to educate future generations. Numerous countries around the world can celebrate Poppy Day on either the day before Memorial Day or on Veteran's Day. 3:48:48 PM SENATOR DUNBAR thanked members for hearing SB 159. He said this past summer, he went to Camp Funston in Fort Riley, Kansas, and visited a WWI museum in Kansas City. In the museum, visitors had the opportunity to walk over a glass bridge with thousands of poppies underneath. He expressed his appreciation for this experience that allowed him to understand the importance of introducing legislation to honor its historical significance. 3:49:43 PM CHAIR KAWASAKI held SB 159 for future consideration.