The common or field poppy achieved notoriety following World War I, with the wide publication of the John McCrae poem “In Flanders Field.”
The artificial likeness of this bright red wildflower, known as the remembrance poppy, has been used to commemorate military personnel who have died in service to their country since 1921.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) leadership adopted the poppy as their official memorial flower shortly following their very successful first distribution, Memorial Day 1922.
Since that first distribution in 1922, the VFW National Headquarters has delivered over one billion Buddy Poppies to local posts. Donations received from local residents support VFW Post 6710’s “Veterans Relief Fund”, the auxiliary’s Children’s Christmas Party, and veterans assistance projects.
Despite the unique circumstances presented them, 20 of the many dedicated members of James H. Smithson VFW Post 6710 and VFW Auxiliary Unit 6710 held their annual “Buddy Poppy” fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, May 22-23 and, as usual, the citizens of Clinton County came through for the veterans.
With even fewer locations available, donations for the weekend topped $3,200.
For those who were not able to contribute in person and would like to donate to the “Buddy Poppy” program, donations may be mailed to Cpl. James H. Smithson Post 6710, 1130 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, OH 45177, Attn: Dennis Harris. Checks should be made payable to the post with the memo: “Buddy Poppy Donation.”
