Tiny Poppy, Powerful Story

Hello! My name is Chris Horne, and I am your Buddy Poppy chairman for 2026-2027 and we are “Serving America’s Heroes” through “The Power of One”!

We are approaching America’s birthday, and this year is a very special one….250 years!!! There have been many brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice to get us this far, and every Buddy Poppy™ we give out remembers each one of them. Whether it’s worn on a lapel, displayed on a wreath, or handed out during a parade, every Poppy carries a story—a veteran’s story. Let’s get busy educating our communities why this tiny but mighty little flower means so much to us! I would love to see pictures with your amazing reports of your auxiliaries handing out Buddy Poppies™!

Handing out Buddy Poppies™ goes hand in hand with membership almost seamlessly! Look for ways to start a conversation with the people you are handing a Buddy Poppy™ to. The veteran hats that the veterans wear let you know right off the bat if they qualify for membership! Ask them what post they are a member of. If they say they aren’t a member, let them know that we would love to have them, we are always accepting applications, and hand them one!! And talk to their family too!! They could be our next members! I believe this is what President Frank had in mind when he made his motto for the year. The Power Of One. It only takes one person to bring in a new member. Imagine our growth if each one of us brought just one person in……

It’s also time to start thinking about your displays for the Buddy Poppy™ display contest for Fall Fest! There might be an extra prize or two up for grabs in addition to the certificates and ribbons that we give out! Remember, there are three categories for Buddy Poppy displays at any Department Convention:

1. Public Promotion of the Poppy Campaign

2. Memorial or Inspirational Display

3. Artistic or Decorative Use of Poppies

To qualify for National judging, the VFW Post must order at least three Buddy Poppies for every VFW member in that Post. Remind your VFW partners to get those orders in through VFW National Headquarters.

I can’t wait to see what all you guys come up with! I know there are some crazy talented people in this Department.

Chris Horne, Chairman