Buddy POppy program
The Buddy Poppy-A mighty little flower with a powerful mission—honoring the fallen and supporting disabled and needy veterans.
What is the Buddy Poppy?
Before Memorial Day in 1922, the VFW conducted its first nationwide Poppy distribution. The poppy was soon adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States—and it remains so today.
During the 1923 VFW encampment, the organization decided that VFW Buddy Poppy® flowers would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans, who would be paid for their work to provide financial assistance. In 1924, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW poppies, and the name “Buddy Poppy” was adopted.
How Poppy Support Helps
How to Host a Poppy Drive
- Pick Your Dates
Common times: Memorial Day weekend, Veterans Day, patriotic community events.
- Choose a Location
Local businesses, schools, community centers, events, or city buildings.
- Request Support
Ask your local government to issue a proclamation recognizing Buddy Poppy week/weekend.
- Promote the Drive
Share on social media, flyers, and community calendars.
- Make it Easy to Give
Clearly label donation jars and provide a short explanation of who benefits.
The Veterans Behind the Buddy Poppy
In Flanders Fields
— 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.
Show your Support Today
Help us keep this tradition strong. When you support Buddy Poppies, you honor the fallen and uplift veterans who need it most.