It’s blooming poppies in Gilroy—not California native species sprouting from the Earth, however.
That’s why it’s troubling for 50-year American Legion Auxiliary member Maryann Collom when citizens on occasion offer a blank stare to the question: “Would you like a poppy to support our veterans?”
Fundraising efforts are currently under way for the legion’s annual red poppy flower sale, and chair people like Collom plan to be out and about in the community full force-style selling the handmade crape paper poppies for donations.
As a part of the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, selling poppies is something Collom takes seriously. Handmade by veterans themselves, taking the task on her own proved more than an intricate feat. It seems the poppies handmade by veterans as part of their therapeutic rehabilitation came out a lot better than Collom’s creation.
“I tried to make one—it takes quite a bit: It’s petal-by-petal,” Collom said.
Collom’s own husband lived through three wars. Collom admits that although she never served herself, she always backed her husband. She’s expecting the same kind of support from the Gilroy community when she vows to asks the same question, “Want a poppy?” in the coming weeks.
Connecting the poppy’s visual image with the sacrifice of service made by veterans is an ongoing mission for Collom. She proudly displays the red poppies and totes a modest jar beckoning to be filled with coins.
The Hollister resident—who has taken it upon herself to represent the south county— is 85-years-old this month and said she’s steadfast about her commitment to the veterans. Admittedly, it has been a long time since the first flower was donned from a line in the poem “In Flanders Fields” penned by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. on the battlefront during World War I.
World War II military wives like Collom—whose late husband fought in three wars and survived Pearl Harbor—spreading the poppy campaign in Santa Clara County dates back to the old days of supporting the husband and soldiers every step of the way.
In this case, that means 13-cents poppy-by-poppy, and she’ll be selling them throughout the south county.
“My heart has been in the Navy for 35 years,” Collom said. “If it wasn’t for our veterans, we wouldn’t have a free country.”
Poppy purchases
For 13 cents apiece, donors can do their part to assist disabled and hospitalized veterans in local communities.
For more information or to purchase a poppy, call Collom at 408-842-9995.
