Buddy Poppy distribution has been canceled for the year. If you would like to make a donation please make out a check to VFW Post 7766 and mail to:
VFW Post 7766
PO Box 28176
San Diego, CA 92198
Thank you,
Sam Sugarman, Adjutant
HISTORY
The origin of the Buddy Poppy is a remembrance of those who have died in battle. The idea behind the poppy as that symbol originated with the poem “In Flanders Fields” written by a Canadian officer after witnessing the mayhem and carnage on the battlefield in World War I.
The VFW conducted its first poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, 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. It was during the 1923 encampment that the VFW decided that VFW Buddy Poppies be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with some form of financial assistance. The plan was formally adopted during the VFW's 1923 encampment. 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.
DISTRIBUTION -
Each year the Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts throughout the United States as well as Canadian and British veterans’ groups honor Memorial Day with the distribution of Buddy Poppies. It is the desire of the VFW that they be worn proudly in remembrance of the servicemen and women who have fought for and died for the freedom we so dearly love in the United States. Many brave men and women are carrying on the same fight today and more than a few will die in that fight.
Post 7766 distributes Buddy Poppies free of charge on several occasions during the year. The primary distribution is Friday and Saturday preceding Memorial Day and Veterans Day. There is no charge for Buddy Poppies but free will donations are gratefully accepted. The donations will be put to good use in our community and for veterans across the country. Post 7766 will be distributing Buddy Poppies this year prior to Memorial Day and Veterans Day at several locations in Rancho Bernardo and 4S Ranch. Watch for us and pick up your Buddy Poppy to wear proudly. Dates, times and locations will be listed on this site in May for Memorial Day.
IN FLANDERS FIELD
by John McCrae
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie,
In Flanders Fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe.
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch, be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields.
