VFW Auxiliary

Do You Know the True Meaning Behind the “Buddy”® Poppy Program Which Both National and State of Florida Auxiliaries Distribute?

The “Buddy”® Poppy has been an integral part of the VFW community for more than 95 years. As the VFW’s official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the blood shed by American service members.

The Poppy movement was inspired by Canadian Army Col. John McCrae’s famous poem, “In Flanders Fields.”

The VFW conducted its first Poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first Veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting the VFW all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers

These small but mighty memorial flowers have raised millions for the welfare of veterans and their dependents. “Buddy”® Poppies are still assembled by disabled, hospitalized, aging and needy veterans in five locations.

Auxiliaries distribute the “Buddy”® Poppy is the official flower of the VFW worn to commemorate those who died for their country.

The VFW and Auxiliary distribute poppies in exchange for charitable donations used to provide financial, social and emotional support to members and Veterans and to support the VFW National Home for Children.

Each month for the Department of Florida a newsletter is sent out by the chairperson Betty A. Bailey, sharing ideas, information about both the “Buddy”® Poppy Program and the National Home for children.

As Chairperson, Betty is available to assist any auxiliary who may need help developing their plans for distribution and use of Poppies all year long. The most important holidays for distribution are Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They are also used in memorial wreaths, Christmas trees and other areas all year long.

Local stores, grocery, gift shops, gas stations allow volunteers to distribute poppies as remembrance, many people donate to help support the “Buddy”® Poppy Program.

Monies received are specifically designated to support the National Home for Children, local veterans in need and other programs as outlined in our by laws.

If you are interested in learning more about the program all Auxiliary chairpersons are available to share information about your program to you individually or any organization.

If you would like to contact Department of Florida Chairperson, Betty A. Bailey, bann652@aol.com.

Karen Heikkila is the Historian Media Relations for District 19 in Daytona Beach. She is also Jr. Vice President, and Legislative Chairman. Karen's passion is to serve Veterans and their families, and our community.