Buddy Poppy History


The buddy poppy movement was inspired by the poem written by Colonel John McRae, entitled "In Flander's Fields".
In 1924, the VFW adopted and registered a patent for "Buddy Poppy" with all trademark rights.
For over 75 years, the Buddy Poppy program has been used as a means of raising funds to help needy and disabled veterans, dependents of veterans, widows and orphans of deceased veterans. The poppies are assembled by disabled and needy veterans,who are paid for their work.
These poppies are distributed by VFW posts and Ladies Auxiliaries. The proceeds from donations for these poppies are used locally for veteran services, compensation to the veterans who assembled the poppies, and also provide funding for state and national veteran service programs. No VFW post recieves any profit.

In Flander's Field

by by Lt. Col. John McCrae, M.D. (1872-1918) Canadian Army


buddy poppy 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.
buddy poppy
buddy poppy 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.


buddy poppy 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.
buddy poppy





Flander's Field, The story of the Buddy Poppy


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