A flower that evokes the memories and emotions of war is the red poppy, which became associated with war after the publication of a poem "In Flander's Field," written by Col. John McCrae of Canada. For more than 75 years, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare and the well being of their dependents. Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA Hospitals and domiciliaries across the country and are distributed by VFW Posts and their Ladies Auxiliaries. The minimal assessment (cost of Buddy Poppies) to VFW units provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of our nation's veterans.
There is never a charge for the Buddy Poppy, and recipients are never asked to contribute. If the recipient wishes to donate, there is a container provided at the site or they may mail their contributions to the Post. All contributions are appreciated and are strictly accounted for. Per Section 704 of the Congressional Charter By-Laws, monies from the Buddy Poppy drives (May and November of each year) are deposited in the Relief Fund and the following is Section 704 (that governs this fund) that is quoted in its entirity. There is never a charge for the Buddy Poppy, and recipients are never asked to contribute. If the recipient wishes to donate, there is a container provided at the site or they may mail their contributions to the Post. All contributions are appreciated and are strictly accounted for. Per Section 704 of the Congressional Charter By-Laws, monies from the Buddy Poppy drives (May and November of each year) are deposited in the Relief Fund and the following is Section 704 (that governs this fund) that is quoted in its entirity.
Section 704 - Relief Fund
The Quartermaster of the Post shall be the custodian of the relief fund and shall expend monies therefrom, as directed by the Post (which must be voted upon by the members present at the meeting), for the following purposes only.
Aid, assistance, relief, and comfort of needy or disabled veterans or members of the Armed Forces and their dependents, and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.
Maintenance and expansion of the VFW National Home for Children and other facilities devoted exclusively for the benefit and welfare of the dependents, widows, and orphans of disabled, needy or deceased veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
Necessary expenses in providing entertainment, care, and assistance to hospitalized veterans or members of the Armed Forces.
Veterans rehabilitation, welfare, and service work.
To perpetuate the memory of deceased veterans and members of the Armed Forces, and to comfort their survivors.
To foster true patriotism through historical and educational programs.
Relief funds may be invested in approved securities but shall not be loaned to the Post or other units, or transferred from the relief fund in any manner or under any guise, except that relief funds may be transferred to the general fund for remission of dues of sick, needy, or disabled members."
The Veterans of Foreign Wars employs an aggressive inspection and reporting system that encompasses all funds and operations to ensure Posts abide by the Congressional charter By-Laws and Manual of Procedure Ritual that is updated yearly.