Colfax American Legion Auxiliary hosts National Poppy Day events supporting veterans

Over Memorial Day weekend, the newly established American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192 Colfax hosted National Poppy Day outreach tables May 22-23 at Mar-Val Food Stores. The events raised awareness and donations in support of veterans throughout the local community. The American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Program has served as a national symbol of remembrance and sacrifice since 1921. Inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields, red crepe paper poppies are distributed each Memorial Day and Veterans Day in exchange for donations that directly support disabled and hospitalized veterans. One hundred percent of donations collected through the program remain dedicated to helping veterans in local communities. Visitors to the poppy table were greeted not only by Auxiliary volunteers but also by a special four-legged ambassador known as Poppy Pup Chanel, who delighted families by handing out poppy-themed dog treats to visiting pets. Elizabeth De Maagd, Chair of the Poppy Program and President of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192 Colfax, who also serves as First Vice Commander of American Legion Post 192, and a veteran, emphasized the importance of the effort and the meaning behind the poppy tradition. The poppy is more than a flower. It represents those who have fallen for our freedom and serves as a symbol of sacrifice, remembrance and hope. Every donation collected helps veterans and their families right here in our own community, and it gives us an opportunity to connect directly with those who may need support. De Maagd shared that the event became much more than a fundraiser and evolved into direct community outreach for veterans and their families. When I asked a father to tell me about his son who is a veteran, he shared that his son, a Navy SEAL veteran, has been struggling with PTSD and is in need of ongoing support resources. I was able to provide information about PTSD support services, including Hearts Landing Ranch and its equine therapy program for veterans struggling with PTSD. Another veteran, recently displaced by a fire and experiencing homelessness, came to our table simply asking for access to a shower. I worked with fellow American Legion officers to help secure emergency assistance and temporary hotel housing for the holiday weekend until veteran and emergency service organizations reopened after the holiday. De Maagd also noted the growing need for emergency veteran assistance services in Placer County. Unfortunately, there is currently no 24 hour emergency response plan in place in Placer County to assist veterans in crisis. District 7 of the American Legion is now preparing to present a Veterans in Crisis Plan to the county that would establish emergency funding and immediate support resources managed through the American Legion, spearheaded by our very own Hank Silva, Adjutant American Legion Post 192, who noticed the need for an emergency plan while assisting Colfax veterans in need. Continuing the Memorial Day observance, members of American Legion Post 192 Colfax and the newly formed Troop 192 spent Saturday, May 24 placing American flags on veterans graves at the Colfax Cemetery to honor those who served and sacrificed for the nation. The Auxiliary extended special thanks to community sponsors Staples Auburn and Mar-Val Food Stores for supporting the National Poppy Day events. For more information about the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 192, please contact Elizabeth De Maagd, President at alacolfax192@gmail.com.