BUDDY POPPY
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.
In 1923, the VFW National made the decision to employ disabled veterans to create the well-known Red Poppies and pay them for their valuable work. This program not only offers assistance in supporting state and national veterans' rehabilitation but it also partially contributes to the VFW National Home for Children. The first-ever Buddy-Poppy Factory was established in Pittsburgh, and currently, they are produced by disabled veterans residing in VA Hospitals and homes nationwide. The trademarked VFW Buddy-Poppy name ensures that these Poppies are authentic products created by disabled veterans.
We as a post collect donations for Buddy Poppy all year long and actively participate in the Buddy Poppy Competition at the Department and State level.
Watch the inspirational video of the veterans behind the famous Buddy Poppy flower.