2024-2025 BUDDY POPPY PROGRAM

 Among all the flowers that evoke the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after Col. John McCrae of Canada published a poem titled "In Flander’s Field. " The poem describes blowing red fields among the battlegrounds of the fallen.

The VFW was the first veterans’ organization to adopt the poppy and develop a national distribution campaign. For more than 75 years, the VFW’s Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars to support veterans’ welfare and the well-being of their dependents.

Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy, and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and domiciliaries across the country and used by VFW Posts and their Auxiliary to compensate the veterans who assemble the poppies. Donations also provide financial assistance to maintain state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially support the VFW National Home for veterans’ orphans and widows.

Click here to read the "Plan a Poppy Campaign” brochure.

Many Posts and Auxiliaries use Poppies to participate in the annual Poppy Display contest, judged at the State Convention. Winners advance to the National level. Posts can also donate leftover Poppies to schools and retirement centers so students and seniors can use their patriotic creativity.

All Posts are encouraged to purchase ten Poppies per member yearly to support veterans’ relief efforts and educate the public about the Buddy Poppy.