BUDDY POPPY

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

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.
 

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Post News

Important Info for Post423 Members

VFW Post 423 member commissions in the Navy, becomes Mustang

VFW Post 423 member, William Matte, commissioned as a U.S. Navy Ensign Oct 20, 2023 at the Ann Arbor Post. He originally enlisted in the Navy in 2012, and transferred to the officer ranks this year.

VFW Post 423 Auxiliary honors past members with memorial brick

VFW Post 423 auxiliary members purchased a memorial brick to be displayed at the VFW National Home in honor of past auxiliary member Brett Horsch, and past VFW Post member Michael Horsch.

Statewide News

News & Info from your department

VFW members work to preserve Michigan Civil Battle Flag

Leadership from VFW Posts 4545 12082 have joined forces in raising funds to restore and preserve the piece of Michigan’s history that followed the 21st Infantry Regiment through eight Civil War battles.

State Adjutant shares in-person memory of 1982 DC Vietnam Memorial dedication

VFW Department of Michigan Adjutant & Quartermaster Barry Walter attended the Washington D.C. Vietnam Memorial Dedication on November 13, 1982. Now, 76, Barry recalls being a 35-year-old VFW service officer, witnessing history for his generation of warriors.

National News

Important info from National VFW

Thankful for the Life We Live

WASHINGTON - 'What are you thankful for?' is a common question this time of year. While most would prefer to get straight to the t...

Celebrating Those Who Have Worn the Nation's Uniform

WASHINGTON - For the members the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), as well as the millions of others who have worn the cloth of our ...