Veterans Day Billboards and Poppies: a Reminder to Us All

By Jim Uhlik, Commander of VFW post 9601

Have you seen little red flowers popping up in locations around Castro Valley this past weekend?

You may have even received one yourself from the many Castro Valley veterans and local sea cadets. They were out these past few days reminding everyone that Friday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and that if you have freedom, to take the time to thank a vet.

Poppies are often worn to commemorate the veterans who fought to keep us free.

To also help get the word out, Clear Channel worked with Veterans of American Legion Post 649 and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9601 to post two billboards up in Castro Valley.

Commander Larry Ames, Bill Rogers and Mike Martin of the American Legion along with the VFW have been working with Clear Channel's Jacki Hoyt for several months to come up with a design that was not only bold but also to the point.

"The most visible one will be seen on the corner of Wilbeam and Castro Valley Boulevard, while the second one is next to the car wash, facing north on Lake Chabot Road," said Ames.

“This is the second year that Clear Channel has donated their time and billboard space to the veterans,” said Larry Ames Commander of American Legion Post 649. “This is a great way to remind everyone of the freedoms we have because of our veterans.”

Also on the billboards are the websites for the American Legion and VFW, both meet at the Castro Valley Moose Lodge. For more information visit their websites at: www.amlegionpost649.org/www.vfw9601.org