Buddy Poppies

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was the first organization to promote a nationwide distribution of poppies assembled by disabled and needy veterans. To substantiate this claim, and to dispel any claim to the contrary the following chronological and documentary information is briefly outlined. In 1921, the Franco-American Children's League conducted a nationwide distribution of Poppies made in France, for the benefit of children in the war-torn areas of France and Belgium. The inspiration came from Col. John McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields." October 1921, the American Legion, at its convention in Kansas City, repudiated its action of 1920 in choosing the poppy as its official flower and substituted the daisy. In May 1922, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States conducted a nationwide distribution of poppies made in France. This was after the dissolution of the Franco-American Children'sLeague, and in response to an appeal by Madame Guerin, "the poppy lady from France." In October 1922, following the first nationwide distribution of poppies by the VFW, the American Legion Convention repudiated the daisy as its official flower and again adopted the poppy. In the spring of 1923, the American Legion conducted its first nationwide sale of poppies made by a French manufacturer. In 1923, the VFW evolved the idea which resulted in the VFW "Buddy Poppy" fashioned by disabled and needy veterans who were paid for their work in assembling "Buddy" poppies. In February 1924, the VFW registered the name "Buddy" Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office, and still holds all trademark rights in the name "Buddy" under the classification of artificial flowers. Since May 1924, the VFW has annually conducted a "Buddy" Poppy campaign.

Veteran Outreach

Coming home doesn't mean the battle is over. With over 10 times the amount of veterans lost to suicide than to combat operations in the same time period, there has never been a more important time to TAKE A STAND and DO something to support our veterans!! If you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD, we have people that have shared a similar experience and are ready to help.

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As yesterday's defenders of freedom, we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

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WELCOME TO MODESTO

Teamwork ~ Leadership ~ Commitment
As yesterday's defenders of freedom, we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.  Our common bond is the battlefield, whether it is service in the Persian Gulf, Korea, Kosovo, the war on terrorism or peace-keeping expeditionary campaigns. Your courage and sacrifice have made a difference in preserving and defending world peace.
 

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As yesterday's defenders of freedom...

 ...we want to welcome today's military service members into our ranks to become part of our elite group.

WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Kosovo, War in Afghanistan, War in Iraq, War on Global Terror and other Peace-Keeping Expeditionary Campaigns throughout the globe.

Assistance & Benefits

Assistance & Benefits

The Veterans of Foreign Wars is dedicated

 to supporting those who sacrifice so much for this country, veterans, service members in the US Armed Forces, and their families and continues to be a voice for returning and currently deployed service members and their families.

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Post News

Important Info for Post3199 Members

VFW 3199 Canteen Open!

Starting February 18th the VFW Post 3199 is open!

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Danny Martinez Scholarship Program

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Statewide News

News & Info from your department

California VFW Calls on Congress to Keep Its Promise to America’s Veterans

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of California today urged Congress to revise H.R. 9237, the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, to protect earned disability benefits for future disabled veterans while preserving the legislation’s many positive reforms.

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VFW Department of California Elects Paula Jansen as State Commander During 106th Annual State Convention

Veterans from across California gathered in Sacramento for leadership elections, training, recognition, and more

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National News

Important info from National VFW

VFW Day of Service Sets New Record with Nearly 2,700 Events

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) announced today that its fifth annual VFW Day of Service reached a new miles...

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VFW Celebrates 250 Years of Freedom and Democracy

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This Independence Day, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) calls upon all Americans to pause and reflect on the ...

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OUR MISSION

That the purpose of this Corporation shall be fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational: to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead; and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America, and fidelity to its Constitution and laws; to foster true patriotism; to maintain and extend the institutions of American freedom, and to preserve and defend the United States from all her enemies.