Volunteers assist with Legion poppy drape

Volunteers creating crocheted and knit poppies for a drape to be displayed on the anti-aircraft gun in front of the Legion, pose with their work so far with Branch 153 President Tom Brown. (Jeff Helsdon photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

How many crocheted poppies will it take to fill a 20-by-30-foot drape?

A quick estimate is 5,000 or 6,000. Undertaking such a monumental task requires a team of dedicated volunteers helping with this initiative for the local Legion branch. The intent is to put the completed drape over the anti-aircraft gun in front of the Legion for Remembrance Day.

Suzanne Murphy, a 25-year Legion member, said other Legions have completed similar initiatives. Still, neither she nor Branch 153 President Tom Brown knows of any effort that is as large and intends to cover the entire drape. Others have had the poppies spaced out on the drape.

“We want to fill the whole thing,” Brown said.

Murphy has been organizing volunteers to complete the poppies and supplying them with wool. The team of about 25 volunteers started crocheting, or knitting, in March, and began sewing the completed poppies on the drape in May. An area about five by seven feet is covered.

“They’re doing an amazing job of it,” Brown said.

Murphy has a pattern, but not all participants are using it. Although the wood has to be red and black, the red tones vary in the poppies already sewn on.

“I want a variety like in Flanders Fields,” she said. “They don’t all have to be the same.”

Brown, who created one of the poppies himself, addressed the volunteers recently.

“The product you are putting out is beautiful; it’s amazing,” he said, adding it’s different from what other Legions are doing. “It’s nothing like any of the others.”

The Legion is also seeking donations of #4 red or black wool. Anyone who wants to assist with donations, or making poppies, can contact the branch at 519-842-5281.