The VFW conducted its first poppy distribution before Memorial Day in 1922, becoming the first veterans’ organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The next year, the VFW decided that VFW "Buddy”® Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work. VFW "Buddy”® Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals, providing compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies. The poppy program also provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home for Children.
2026-2027 Department Chairman - Adrienne Halvorsen, ahalvorsen.vfwwa@yahoo.com, 206-883-0664
Additional resources are available through MALTA
