BETHEL — The American Legion Auxiliary, Mundt-Allen Post #81, Bethel, recently announced that Miss Harper Phelps has been selected Miss Poppy 2021.

Harper, 7, daughter of Neil and Carrie Phelps of Mason Twp., is in first grade at Crescent Park School and is a Junior member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit #81. Harper’s mother is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary as are her grandmother, Mrs. Jane Ryerson (Unit #151) and her great-grandmother, Mrs. Ramona Grover (Unit #81).

Harper’s grandfather, Craig Ryerson, served in Vietnam, 1968-69. He is a U.S. Army Master Sargent (retired) and a member of the Ring-McKeen American Legion Post #151 in West Paris.

Great grandfather, Richard Grover, U.S. Air Force Lt. Colonel (retired) was a member of the “Wild Weasels” and flew 100 missions over Vietnam. He is a member of American Legion Post #81, Bethel.

Harper’s great-grandfathers also served our nation. They are the late Emery Ryerson, U.S. Navy, who served in WWII and was a member of the Ring-McKeen Legion Post; the late Robert J. Lowe, US Army who served during WWII at Guadalcanal and was a member of Legion Post #81; the late Harold “Hank” Rolfe, U.S. Army Warrant Officer served in Le Havre, France during WWII; and the late Harold S. Verrill, U.S. Army PFC, served in Germany during the Korean War.

We salute all service members and hope everyone will help Miss Poppy collect donations which are used help our service men and women.  The weekends before Memorial Day, Harper will be outside the Bethel IGA. She is happy to give a poppy to anyone who would like to honor our patriots.

Because of COVID, donations can also be sent to American Legion Auxiliary (Poppy Fund), 183 Kings Hwy, Mason Twp., ME 04217. All donations will be gratefully received.