May is upon us and the Newtown VFW, Men’s and Ladies Auxiliaries have quite a few activities and events planned. At the most recent Post meeting, James Rebman, who was reelected to a third year as Newtown Post 308 commander, said, “Spring is when everything is renewed along with our commitment to fellow veterans and our country.”

Prior to each Memorial Day, new flags are put on the graves of veterans at all Newtown cemeteries. This is a time-honored tradition in which members, their families, and others participate.

The graves of veterans buried in Newtown will be visited on May 21. Old flags are collected and retired, according to national guidelines on Flag Day in June.

Volunteers are welcome to join post members for this solemn duty. Send an e-mail to vfwpost308newtown@gmail.com for further details.

Memorial Day will be observed with the traditional ceremony at the VFW post on Monday, May 26, at 11 am. Everyone is welcome to attend. The men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces will be remembered.

Buddy Poppies, available by donation, will be offered around town the weekend before Memorial Day.

The red poppy is an outward sign of remembrance. They were popularized due to the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which recalled poppies that bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of France during World War I. Their brilliant red color is an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

Post 308 members will be at Bagel Delight, 30 Church Hill Road; Dunkin’ Donuts, 6 Queen Street; and Carminuccio’s Pizza, 76 South Main Street. They are also available at the VFW Post, on Tinkerfield Road. Proceeds from poppy drives benefit help veterans, veteran causes, and the VFW National Home for Children.

As always, the Newtown VFW and its Auxiliaries welcome new members. Proof of military eligibility will be needed. For further information, visit vfwpost308.com or send e-mail to vfwpost308newtown@gmail.com.

The Newtown VFW is on Freedom Defenders Way (formerly 18 Tinkerfield Road), off Wasserman Way. The post is open to the public daily from 10 am until 9 pm. Free Wi-Fi is available. A canteen is also on premises for beverages, soft drinks, coffee etc.

More information about the post and other upcoming events — Patriot Pen and Voice of Democracy student essay contests, and monthly visits to Masonicare of Newtown — is also available on the post’s Facebook page (search for VFW Post 308 Newtown CT).