New Dreams Grow In Flanders Fields…

“In Flanders fields, the poppies blow”, reads the first line of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s famous poem, In Flanders Fields, written during the First World War. Lt. Col. McCrae could not have imagined the impact he would have, while composing the poem from his makeshift desk in the back of an ambulance, just outside of Ypres, Belgium. The poem and the poppy flower have become international symbols of honor and respect for those who have perished in battle. Having been associated with conflict for centuries, the wild poppies sprouting between the wooden crosses that marked his comrades graves, only days after burial, sparked McCrae’s imagination, and his decision to honor them has become a legacy.

That legacy is carried forward in Chester County, PA, at The Whitehall Apartments (The Whitehall). Recently, residents Cyndie Summerton and Joe Giron took a more active role in supporting that legacy by participating in this years National Buddy® Poppy display contest, sponsored by the National Veterans of Foreign Wars organization and carried out with the help of local posts.

Coined in 1923, Buddy® Poppy refers to the specific artificial poppies worn in remembrance of fallen service people and urges the public to remember their sacrifice. In an effort to further support a growing community of war veterans, it was decided VFW Buddy® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans, who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance.

In addition to the compensation provided to those who assemble the poppies, the program also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home.

The National Buddy® Poppy Display contest is part of a yearly campaign in support of veterans and their families and this year Cyndie and Joe were able to participate. Standing around three-feet tall, Cyndie and Joe’s submission, is a servicemember, helmet and rifle included, made entirely of the eye-catching red “blossoms”.



“I’m passionate about volunteering and wanted to support the VFW.” Cyndie explained, “Combining my love for arts and crafts with this opportunity seemed like a perfect way to contribute and make a difference."

The contest encompasses three categories: displays that publicly promote poppy sales (window, booth, parade or poster displays, sales promotion, etc.), displays that are memorial or inspirational (wreaths, memorial tablets or plaques, patriotic or devotional themes) and displays that feature artistic or decorative use of poppies (Post home display, table centerpieces, corsages, pictures, plaques, models, scenes, hats, novelty pieces, etc.).

Buddy® Poppy Chairman, Michael Dewees of VFW Post 7155, in nearby Trappe, PA, said this years’ competition was stiff, however, members of Post 7155 were ecstatic at what Cyndie and Joe were able to put together on such short notice.

"The Buddy® Poppy symbolizes fallen soldiers,” adds Summerton, “so we decided to create a commemorative piece to honor them and provide a meaningful tribute for their families." 

We are excited to say that Brendan Dougherty joined us six months ago as the new Community Manager of The Whitehall Apartments.

Brendan is very connected to Chester County and the community around The Whitehall Apartments. He grew up across the bridge from Spring City in Royersford, went to school in the Spring-Ford School District and his family still lives only a few minutes away from property.

Brendan’s father served in the U.S. Navy and instilled the discipline and understanding of doing the right thing, which is why Brendan wanted to work at The Whitehall Apartments.

"I wanted to do something that meant more than just balancing the budget," said Brendan. He is looking forward to improving the already great features of The Whitehall Apartments.

Brendan brings with him more than a dozen years of multi-family housing property management experience including maintenance work. He is experienced in multiple aspects of property management from building a property to buying and selling one. He got started in the industry at a 772-unit property in King of Prussia, PA. Over the years, he has worked in several different properties and learned a lot about maintenance throughout, helping him understand and appreciate what our maintenance team goes through daily. This helped him to fully understand the process of how the industry works.

A fun fact about Brendan is that he has a dual citizenship in the U.S. and Ireland.

Growing up in the area and the desire to give back to the community is what drew Brendan to apply to The Whitehall Apartments. His favorite aspect of his role at The Whitehall Apartments is the opportunity that the housing community presents to our veterans.

“I was taught that there are no problems only opportunities. Getting to learn new things that I have not come across in my professional career is very rewarding,” said Brendan.

Bingo event sponsored by Phoenixville Rotary Club.

Informative presentation by Chesco Connect Transportation.

Community coffee social event.

Taste It! Food Demo by Chester County Food Bank.

Mission BBQ Lunch.

Veteran's fishing derby trip

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Donations from community members and partners like you help us provide essential services so that veterans and their family members living at The Whitehall Apartments have the resources they need to live full, healthy and independent lives. You can help provide essential services, like health education and screening programs, an onsite food pantry, therapeutic supports, transportation, recreational programs and community events. Your support means so much!

If you would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact Christian Hobson at chobson@columbuspm.org.