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Needy veterans benefit from Buddy Poppies
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Posted on Apr 11 2005
Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Saipan Post 3457 will be distributing Buddy Poppies at the Flame Tree Festival this weekend.
According to senior vice commander Barry Hirshbein, VFW bylaws require that the proceeds from Poppy distributions must be used to benefit disabled and needy veterans and the widows and orphans of deceased veterans.
“What better way to help our veterans than by distributing this little red flower of remembrance,” Hirshbein said. “We encourage everyone to look for us at the festival and get a Buddy Poppy to help honor those who have served, and those now serving, our country.”
“You may also stop by the Saipan Post Home and Canteen during business hours and pick up your poppy,” he added.
In 1923, VFW became the first veterans organization to promote a nationally organized campaign for the annual distribution of Poppies, which are assembled by disabled or hospitalized veterans.
More than 14 million Poppies are assembled today and VFW members raise more than $15 million annually from the distributions.
Founded in 1899, VFW is the nation’s oldest major veterans organization with more than 1.8 million members.
