Before Memorial Day in 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars conducted the nation's first nationwide poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans' organization to do so. The poppy was soon adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, where it remains today.
In 1923, the VFW voted to have Buddy Poppy® flowers assembled by disabled and needy veterans. Veterans were paid for their work, providing them with financial assistance while honoring those who sacrificed for our nation.
The following year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began assembling the VFW Buddy Poppies.
On May 20, 1924, the name Buddy Poppy® was officially registered with the U.S. Patent Office, granting the Veterans of Foreign Wars exclusive trademark rights. No other organization, business, or individual may legally use the name Buddy Poppy®.
Every Buddy Poppy distributed helps:
• Provide compensation to the disabled and needy veterans who assemble the poppies.
• Support state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs.
• Help fund the VFW National Home.
• Honor the memory of America's fallen heroes.
🌺 Wear a Buddy Poppy with pride.
🌺 Support your local VFW Post.
🌺 Host a Buddy Poppy drive in your community.
🌺 Encourage your local government to issue a Buddy Poppy proclamation.
🌺 Help preserve one of America's most meaningful traditions of remembrance.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
