Where
have all the Poppies come from? That is
the question often asked. Let me tell
you a little of the story as to where it all originated.
It
first came in existence in May 1922. Col. John McCae of the Canadian Forces
wrote the poem “In Flanders Field”. That
was before the U.S. entered WW I. When the Armistice was signed, a replica of
the Poppies at Flanders were distributed in some allied countries. Flanders Field is in France and deceased men
of the war were buried there.
In 1922, the
Franco American Children’s League distributed Poppies for the benefit of
children in France and Belgium who were in devastation areas.
After the league
dissolved, the VFW conducted Poppy campaigns prior to Memorial Day, using only
Poppies made in France by Madam Guern, known as “The Poppy Lady”.
The name Buddy
Poppy was originated with the disabled men who made the Poppies in Pittsburg,
PA. In February 1924, the VFW registered
the name B uddy Poppy, granting the VFW all the trademark rights on the name of
Buddy Poppy.
Today, the Buddy
Poppies are still made by disabled and aging veterans in VA and State Veterans
Hospitals.
When you purchase
a Poppy, remember those Veterans who put their lives on the line for you.
Proceeds are put
into the VFW Post Relief Fund, which is used only for veterans and their
families that are in need.
So watch for the
men with VFW hats and let them know how proud and thankful you are by buying a
Buddy Poppy from them.
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