BUDDY POPPY

VFW Department of Washington

Wear a Buddy Poppy.
Help a veteran.

Since 1922, the VFW's red memorial flower has honored those who served. Donations collected during Buddy Poppy distributions support veterans, service members, and eligible families.

Order Poppies Chairperson Tips
A VFW member and a young family member distributing Buddy Poppies
1922 First VFW nationwide poppy distribution
500 Poppies per Department store bundle
200 Poppies per volunteer: planning estimate
Relief Net distribution proceeds support the Post Relief Fund
Get Your Poppies

How to Order

Who May Order

Place Buddy Poppy orders through your VFW Post or with the valid VFW membership details requested by the Department store. Confirm eligibility with Department Headquarters if you are ordering for an Auxiliary.

Order Online

Select Traditional, Tin Tab, or anniversary poppies in the Department's online store. Review current prices before checkout.

Department Store

Before You Order

  • Store bundles contain 500 poppies.
  • Provide a physical delivery address; no PO boxes.
  • Have your Post or membership information available.
  • Order early for major remembrance events.

How Many?

National's chairperson guide suggests budgeting about 200 poppies per volunteer.

Example: 5 volunteers × 200 = 1,000 poppies (2 bundles).

Questions? qm@vfwwa.net

Pick Your Poppy

Poppy Styles

Traditional

The classic red Buddy Poppy. VFW's partnership with Cottonwood Industries provides paid work for adults with disabilities who help produce traditional poppies.

Tin Tab

Introduced when traditional assembly operations were interrupted during the pandemic. A durable alternative that continues the remembrance mission.

Anniversary

Special poppies for charter anniversaries. Department approval is required; availability is limited.

Silver · 25th Gold · 50th Diamond · 75th

100th-anniversary options and quantities are subject to current National and Department guidance. The Department's online store identifies anniversary poppies as decorative and not for fundraising.

Poppies in Action

Out in the Community

VFW members sharing Buddy Poppies with the community
Community events bring the mission to life.
A collection of red VFW Buddy Poppies
A little red flower with a big mission.
Archival VFW Buddy Poppy preparation and distribution
Generations of volunteers honoring veterans.
Red poppies in a field, recalling In Flanders Fields
Our Story

Why the Poppy?

The poppy's symbolism grew from Lt. Col. John McCrae's poem In Flanders Fields. Following World War I, poppy distributions helped children in devastated communities in France and Belgium.

The VFW organized its first nationwide poppy distribution in 1922, and the Buddy Poppy name was registered in 1924. The flower remains a powerful symbol of remembrance and service.

Where your donations go

  • Net Buddy Poppy distribution proceeds go into the Post Relief Fund.
  • Relief funds assist eligible veterans, service members, and their families under VFW rules.
  • These funds can help support the VFW National Home and other permitted veteran-welfare activities.
Never refuse someone a poppy because they cannot contribute.

Every poppy worn honors the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

For Post Chairpersons

Run an Awesome Poppy Drive

Plan ahead, bring enthusiasm, and take Buddy Poppies to Post, District, Department, and community activities— not just Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Plan It

  • Gather Post and Auxiliary volunteers for a quick kickoff.
  • Choose distribution dates and locations.
  • Seek permission from participating businesses.
  • Advertise with flyers, local calendars, and community groups.
  • Order enough poppies for your volunteer team.

Show Up

  • Wear a VFW or Auxiliary cap.
  • Welcome everyone warmly and share the purpose of the poppy.
  • Do not sell poppies; distribute them and welcome voluntary donations.
  • Thank volunteers at Post and Auxiliary meetings.
  • Make poppies part of year-round activities.

Get Creative

  • Make poppy wreaths and remembrance displays.
  • Set up a Wall of Remembrance at your Post.
  • Create table centerpieces for Post events.
  • Join fairs, schools, and community gatherings.
  • Request a Buddy Poppy proclamation from your community.
Show Off Your Poppies

National Buddy Poppy Display Contest

Displays are judged at the VFW National Convention. Each Department may submit one entry per category.

Public Promotion

Windows, booths, parades, posters, and displays encouraging people to wear a poppy and support veterans.

Memorial / Inspirational

Wreaths, memorial tablets, plaques, and displays honoring the fallen.

Artistic / Decorative

Centerpieces, corsages, paintings, models, hats, and creative Buddy Poppy projects.

  • Include at least one original-form, original-color Buddy Poppy with its label attached.
  • Do not show a Post name, number, city, state, or state outline on the display.
  • Ask the Department about its selection process. National's chairperson guide lists June 15 as the deadline for the Department Adjutant to submit contest entries.
Toolbox

Resources

📖 Chairperson Guide 📜 Proclamation Form 🎬 Behind the Buddy Poppy 🇺🇸 VFW National

Questions about your order?
Email qm@vfwwa.net or call 253-922-2114 (Monday–Friday, 07:00–15:00; confirm current office hours).

Order Now

VFW Department of Washington · Buddy Poppy · Updated 06-November-2026 · Version 2.0.0. National and Department ordering instructions, prices, and contest rules control if they differ from this summary.