Before Memorial Day in 1922, we conducted our first Buddy Poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today.
During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW “Buddy”® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Poppies. The designation “Buddy Poppy” was adopted at that time.
In February 1924, we officially registered the name “Buddy Poppy” with the U.S. Patent Office. Then, on May 20, 1924, we received a certificate granting exclusive trademark rights to the name “Buddy Poppy.” As a result, this trademark guarantees that all poppies with the “Buddy Poppy” name and the VFW label are authentic. These poppies are made by disabled and needy veterans. Consequently, the proceeds from Poppy sales directly benefit those who served our country. No other organization, firm, or individual can legally use the name “Buddy Poppy” without our authorization.
The program compensates veterans who assemble the poppies. In addition, it provides financial assistance for state and national veterans’ rehabilitation programs. Furthermore, it partially supports the VFW National Home For Children. Show your support today. Host a Poppy drive in your town, or have your local government issue a special proclamation.
Today, Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.
Hear from those who assemble the mighty little flowers in “The Veterans Behind the Buddy Poppy” video.
In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you, from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders fields.