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.
In February 1924, we registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S.
Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting our
organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the
classification of artificial flowers. We've made that trademark a
guarantee that all poppies bearing that name and the VFW label are
genuine products of the work of disabled and needy veterans. No other
organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.
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. Show your support today. Host a Buddy Poppy drive in your town, or
have your local government issue a special proclamation.
Hear from those who assemble the mighty little flowers in
"The Veterans Behind the Buddy Poppy" video.
The VFW National Home was
founded in 1925 in Eaton Rapids, Michigan as a place where
families left behind by war could remain together, keeping the family
circle intact even when their serviceman didn't come home.
Today's
military and veteran families face different challenges --
reintegration, post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and
rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others -- and the
National Home has evolved over our decades-long history to meet those
changing needs.
In
addition, we understand that the impacts of war can be generational.
The National Home is here to help veteran connected families as well who
are directly related to a VFW or Auxiliary member or are eligible to
become one.
Resident
families can accomplish significant life goals by participating in our
program. We offer case management services to help families establish
their plans for the future and set goals, education, recreational, and
enrichment opportunities for parents and their children, as well as free
housing and daycare. Community resources and counseling provided as
needed.
For Donations Call 866-483-9642
For Help Call 800-313-4200
For General Information 800-424-8360
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. EST
info@vfwnationalhome.org
3573 S Waverly Rd Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
"Buddy" Poppy/VFW National Home for Children Resources
"Buddy”® Poppy
VFW National Home for Children
