PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Before Memorial Day in 1922, we conducted our first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today. 

During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW "Buddy"® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation "Buddy Poppy" was adopted at that time. Today, our Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.

The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home For Children.

Buddy Poppy orders for both the Comrades and the Auxiliary are made through the Department of California using the Buddy Poppy Order Form (FORM 3A – Rev. 3/2023) – PLEASE utilize that form – older forms will not be accepted and be returned to the post. The cost of the poppies is $150 per 500 poppies and $300 per 1000 poppies.

ALL-STATE REQUIREMENTS:  The Post must purchase five (5) poppies per member, based upon the Post membership as of June 30, 2023. Because poppies are packaged at the factory in lots of 500, 1000, and 2000 for cost effective shipping, it is incumbent upon Post Commanders/Quartermasters to round their order to the closest, higher increment of 500.  The Post must conduct a minimum of one Buddy Poppy drive and report it via the Department online reporting system.

AWARDS: The application for awards for participation of the distribution of Buddy Poppies must be submitted to the Department Buddy Poppy Chairman no later than April 15, 2024.    National Buddy Poppy Contest rules will apply for all category entries.

District 17 Chairperson: Jose Garza

                                          Post 4647

                                          garza@vfwca.org