BUDDY POPPY

A flower that evokes the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of a poem ‘In Flanders Field,’ written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. For more than 75 years, the VFW’s Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans’ welfare and the well being of their dependents. Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and dorniciliaries across the country and are distributed by VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries. The minimal assessment (cost of Buddy Poppies) to VFW units 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 orphans and widows of our nation’s veterans.

Post and District Poppy Chairmen should refer to pages 5-1 1 of the National VFW Programs Guide 2006-07 “It’s About Service”

ORDERING

Buddy Poppy orders are made through Department Headquarters on (Form 3a). Other Poppy supplies may be ordered directly from the National Headquarters Emblem and Supply Department.

All orders purchased May 1, 2007 through April 30, 2008 shall be credited to the 2007-2008 year

All orders shall be in increments of 500. 1,000 or 2.000 poppies.

All invoices for poppy orders are due and payable to Department no later than May 15, 2008.

All orders must have a Street address for delivery, No post office box orders will be accepted because UPS will not deliver to P.O. Boxes.

HOW TO REPORT

You will receive credit for the Buddy Poppy Program when your purchase (Form 3a) is received and processed at Department Headquarters.

All other activities in the Buddy Poppy program should be reported on (Form 12) either on-line or by a hard-copy submitted to Department Headquarters.

ALL-STATE POINTS

To receive All-State credit the Post must purchase poppy's in an amount not less than the stated goal prior to April 30, 2008. In order for the Post to receive 10 points, the post must exceed the stated goal by 1,000 poppies. For example Post 123 with 100 members must purchase at least 1,000 poppies to receive credit and meet requirements #7, then purchase another 1,000 to receive 10 points towards the 150 needed to earn All-State.

POST MEMBERSHIP BUDDY POPPY GOAL

AWARDS

Post and Auxiliary Awards: Posts and Auxiliaries need to submit a Buddy Poppy Report and Application for Awards (Form 3c) to Department Headquarters not later than May 15, 2008. Awards will be presented based on the following basic information:

First place Post and/or Auxiliary Chairman will receive a plaque; second and third places will receive citations. The Post having the Best All-Around Buddy Poppy Program (selected from the reports submitted) will receive the John F. Kennedy Award plaque and $100.00.

District Awards: First, second and third place District Chairman will receive a plaque. To qualify the district must have 100% Post and/or Auxiliary participation and show a purchase increase over the previous year.

The best overall District Chairman will receive $100.00

Individual Awards: Comrades and or Sisters distributing 1,500 or more Poppies during street distributions will receive a Department citation. Complete Form 3b and submit to Department Headquarters not later than May 15, 2008.

Plaques will be also be awarded to the comrade and sister distributing the most Poppies during Street distribution.