Dear Buddy Poppy Volunteers,  

On behalf of the Boone County VFW Post 280 and Auxiliary, we want to express our deepest appreciation for your support during our recent Buddy Poppy Drive. Thanks to your efforts in spreading the word and encouraging donations.  We were able to raise over $2400.00 to benefit veterans' programs and community outreach initiatives.  

One moment from the drive truly stood out to us: When a local veteran explained to volunteers that he could remember handing the Buddy Poppy out with his grandfather for several years. He was so grateful that we were continuing the tradition. It’s because of people like all of you that such stories can continue to inspire and bring hope to our community.  

Your kindness and dedication embody the heart of what the VFW stands for: honor, service, and unity. We are incredibly grateful to have had your support in this mission of remembrance and assistance.  

We look forward to working with you again in the future as we continue to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. Please know how much your contribution has meant—not just to us, but to the veterans and families you’ve helped.  

Thank you once again for everything you’ve done to make the Buddy Poppy Drive a success.  

Warm regards,  

Ed Miller

Post Commander 

Boone County VFW Post 280

A Little History

The Buddy Poppy program was initiated by the VFW before Memorial Day in 1922, making it the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution of poppies. The poppy was adopted as the official memorial flower of the VFW, symbolizing the sacrifices made by veterans.

In 1923, the VFW decided that Buddy Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans, providing them with financial assistance. The following year, the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh began assembling the poppies. The name "Buddy Poppy" was registered with the U.S. Patent Office in 1924, granting the VFW exclusive rights to the name.

The Buddy Poppy program serves multiple purposes:

- Compensation: Provides financial compensation to veterans who assemble the poppies.

- Support: Supports state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs.

- Awareness: Raises awareness about the sacrifices made by veterans and the importance of supporting them.

The VFW encourages communities to host Buddy Poppy drives and issue special proclamations to show their support. The program also partially supports the VFW National Home, which provides assistance to military and veteran families.