Betty J. Stahm
2019-2020 "Buddy"® Poppy/VFW National Home National Ambassador
Poppies are Red
Violets are Blue
National Home is 95
Thanks to YOU!
“Buddy”® Poppy
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 sacrifice. However, the red of this flower means more than blood. It also represents the lifeline of our organization. Every day it brings a sense of comfort to veterans and their families; they too know that they have not been forgotten. There are so many ways to use the “Buddy”® Poppy during the month of February. A time for love; love of country, a love for veterans and their families. It is a time to show that “No one does more for Veterans”® than the Veterans of Foreign Wars with the Auxiliary by its side.
Share the “Red” in our Programs:
- Americanism – Design a patriotic Valentine’s Day Card with Poppies.
- Hospital – Distribute above Valentine’s Day cards to hospitalized veterans during “National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans” week, February 8 -15.
- Historian/Media Relations – Take pictures of the above cards being distributed and send photos and release to local press.
- Legislative – Invite local government representatives to participate in your “National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans” “Buddy”® Poppy Card distribution event.
- Membership – If you are hosting a Community Valentine’s Dance/Party at your Post, have membership applications readily available. Decorate your recruiting table with a “Buddy”® Poppy Valentine Centerpiece.
- Veterans & Family Support – Distribute Valentine cards decorated with “Buddy”® Poppies to your Post veterans thanking them for their service.
- Youth Activities – Include youth in creating and distributing “Buddy”® Poppy Valentine’s Day cards.
These are just a few examples how we can incorporate the “Buddy”® Poppy in our Programs. “This is one Program that everybody who wants to can participate in. They can help themselves, plus help the veterans.” – John Roberts, Fort Dodge “Buddy”® Poppy Supervisor
Watch this video to learn more about the “Buddy”® Poppy and its impact on those who benefit from them.
VFW National Home – Happy Birthday!
Happy 95th year of providing a safe, nurturing environment for our nation’s military and veteran families! In March of 1925, the first family, the Polletts, came to live at the National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Now there are 42 sponsored single-family homes. Since its founding, the VFW National Home has grown from an old frame farm house to a sprawling campus with playgrounds, park areas, and multiple buildings, including the single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, child care facility, guest lodge, chapel and administrative offices.
Over the years, the National Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: The National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families.
With the support of the VFW and its Auxiliary there is 95 years of history. Stroll through time with the National Home in this article.
Supporting the VFW National Home within our Programs during our month of love:
- Americanism – Send patriotic books to the National Home along with Valentine cards.
- Historian/Media Relations – Write a feature or editorial piece about the 95th birthday of the National Home.
- Veterans & Family Support – Purchase a National Home Life Membership as a gift for a Post or Auxiliary member.
- Youth Activities – Include youth groups to create Valentine’s Day cards then send to the National Home Children for distribution to their young residents.
Including the VFW National Home in our Programs will bring awareness to this safe haven for active-duty service members, veterans and their families. With your support and donations the VFW National Home will exist for another 95 years!
Hauʻoli ka lā hauʻoli! (Happy Valentine’s Day!)
