The Poppy has become recognized as the memorial flower in countries throughout the world. It is distributed by veterans organizations in Europe, in America, and in most of the countries of the British Commonwealth.. Since 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States has conducted an annual distribution of the "Buddy" Poppies to raise funds for its charitable programs on behalf of the needy and disabled veterans, and the widow and orphans of deceased veterans. Some 16 million are distributed annually by VFW Posts and Auxiliaries in every state of the union - all proceeds are strictly accounted for and dedicated entirely to veterans welfare.
When you drop a donation in a Poppy canister you have contributed to the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Home for children of deceased or disabled veterans at Eaton Rapids, Michigan..to the National VFW Rehabilitation Service in Washington, D.C...to the VFW Rehabilitation Service in your own state...and to direct assistance programs for all needy and disabled veterans in your own community.
The Buddy Poppy Poem
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 falling 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.
Col.. John McCrae
