For over 100 years, the VFW has declared the "BUDDY POPPY" as the official flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In year 1922, the VFW registered the name, "Buddy Poppy" with the U.S. patent office. The term "Buddy" was adapted to recognize those disabled veterans who are actually making these Poppies as recognition for those other disabled brothers, or those who sacrificed their lives defending our freedom. They were originally sold to provide relief for war-devastated France, but later and now, sold to provide financial assistance for our needy disabled veterans. The VFW Buddy Poppy program also provides financial aid for state and national rehabilitation service programs; as well as partially providing support for the VFW National Home. Though they are typically sold on Memorial Day in honor of those heroes who gave their lives in combat for our democracy, they may be sold at any time of year to aquire the much need financial assistance to these needy veterans.

The origin of this legacy program began with Lt. Colonel John McCrae, a physician serving with the Canadian First Brigade Artillary at a combat field hospital in Belgium. He was amazed by the sight of blankets of red poppy flowers covering the blood soaked grounds of old battle fields and fresh graves. As a testament against the war and wasted lives, he wrote a great poem as a tribute to the countless fallen soldiers, entitled "In Flanders Fields," before his own death in 1918, coincidentially the last year of the war. The poem became an international reminder regarding the tremendous tragedy of human sacrifices caused by heinous wars. The poppy flower has since been the recognized flower of that ultimate sacrifice generated by war, but more so, and the reminder of those heroic souls lost during these conflicts.

You may notice VFW members and the VFW Auxiliaries distributing these Poppies at partnering retail outlets, if so, just remember, "the poppies are not for sale, although contributions to the cause are very highly welcomed!" The members will be wearing a yellow apron for safety and will offer you a smile and one of their treasured Budddy Poppies. If you accept one, please wear it proudly to show your support for our nation's veterans and, more importantly, as a symbol you have not forgotten those who honorably gave their lives for the democratic freedom we enjoy. And always...just as the tag along the poppy flower suggests, "WEAR IT PROUDLY!"