Banned veterans welcomed back to The Marketplace
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Veterans of Foreign Wars raise money for needy vets by collecting donations with their trademark poppies.
Recently, they say, they were told by the management company of The Marketplace, Donahue Schriber, that they couldn't distribute their poppies there anymore.
The theme behind the little flower originated at Flanders Field in France where many American soldiers died in World War I. The story says that the battle field was covered with blood and years later the land bloomed with red poppies.
After taking the VFW's issue to the property managers of The Marketplace, a controversy has bloomed.
Money raised from donations for poppies helps veterans in their times of need. The small silk flowers are handmade by disabled veterans.
Donahue Schriber says it has always supported the veterans and in response to this issue it announced to Eyewitness News on Friday that it is reversing its policy.
Video, full story on southwest Bakersfield community site >>
