Starting prior to Memorial Day 1922 the VFW conducted it's first distribution of poppies, making the VFW the first Veteran's organization to organize a national distribution. Soon after that the poppy became the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and it has remained so even to this day. Then during the VFW 1923 encampment it was decided that VFW "Buddy" Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy Veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them financial assistance. Then in 1924 disabled Veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh got to work assembling the VFW Buddy Poppies and the designation "Buddy Poppy" was officially adopted. The VFW has remained true to their word because all Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy Veterans in VA Hospitals to this day.

 

 

 

The Veterans of Foreign Wars "Buddy" Poppy is a well known symbol associated with the VFW. For nearly a century and has been widely acknowledged as a strong symbol for the VFW and VFW Auxiliary's dedication to Veterans. 

 

 

  

 

The VFW Auxiliary in Edmond has proudly carried on the tradition of poppy distribution and will be continuing to do so for many years to come. 

 

  

 

 

This program does not only support Veterans but also partially supports and promotes The VFW National Home for Children which has helped military and veteran families in need of a new start for more than 90 years. Families that are in the National Home live rent-free for up to four years, have access to professional case management services, are provided on-site licensed childcare, life skills training, tutoring and educational services, and recreational and community service opportunities. This peaceful  and safe community environment consists of beautiful tree-lined streets, 42 single-family homes, and facilities such as a gym, library, computer and science labs, a day care center, playgrounds, fishing ponds, hiking trails, and more.