As the VFW’s official memorial flower, the Poppy represents the blood shed by American service members. It reiterates that we will not forget their sacrifices. The VFW conducted its first Poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first veterans organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The VFW "Buddy” Poppies are assembled by disabled, hospitalized, aging and needy American veterans who would be paid for their work. To order "Buddy” Poppies is done through the VFW National Headquarters. Order your Auxiliary some Poppies and plan to have a Poppy Drive. When having a Poppy Drive, anyone can help with this function. Ask a youth group to help your auxiliary out. There are so many ways to promote the "Buddy” Poppy at your post and Auxiliary functions, sporting events, and other community activities that your Auxiliary does. When your Auxiliary has a Poppy Drive, remind your volunteers they are NOT SELLING the Poppies, BUT DISTRIBUTING THEM FOR DONATIONS. Never refuse someone a Poppy because they are unable to donate money. Remember that we distribute "Buddy” Poppies to remind everyone of the sacrifices of our veterans. When you receive any monies from Poppies remember that it is to go into your relief fund. Your relief fund can be used to provide financial, social and emotional support to Veterans and their families and to support the VFW National Home. Other ways to promote the "Buddy” Poppy: