VFW’s Buddy Poppy sales, scholarship programs give back to others

In March the Maricopa Veterans of Foreign Wars participated in one of three Buddy Poppy distribution days at various locations in Maricopa. The theme of the event was All American Star-Spangled Bonus.

This Buddy Poppy distribution day marked the anniversary of the VFW’s victory in ensuring “The Star Spangled Banner”was designated the national anthem on March 3, 1931. Written in 1814 and regarded as the national anthem since 1916, the song was made official thanks to VFW petitions and support.

The donations received during these events in March, May and November are designated solely to veterans’ assistance programs, as well as for veterans’ families in distress.  Maricopa’s generosity helps meet the needs of many.

Lewis “Gene” Wood, Commander of Maricopa’s Tracy P. MacPherson Post 12043 was overwhelmed, but not surprised, by the great response and contributions to the Buddy Poppy distribution.

“I wish to express our sincere thanks and gratitude for the support we received from the citizens of Maricopa,” said Wood. “Look for us in May!”

The Buddy Poppy represents the blood shed by American service men and women. “It reinforces the fact that the Veterans of Foreign Wars will not forget their sacrifices in protecting this land of the free,” said Poppy chairman Bud Ryan.

The Buddy Poppy inspired Col. John McCrae to pen the following famous poem:

“In Flanders Fields”

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow,
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarceheard amid the guns below,
We are the dead.
Short days ago,
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved and now we lie
In Flanders Fields.
Take up your quarrel with the foe
To you, from failing hands, we throw,
The torch be yours to hold it high,
If ye break faith with us, who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow,
In Flanders Fields. 

The VFW gives back to the city with programs that provide scholarship opportunities. Students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to write and record speeches, competing for scholarship funds available from the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Voice of Democracy program. The theme this year is “Does America Still Have Heroes?”

The Patriot’s Pen is an essay contest for grades 6 through 8. This year’s theme is “When is the right time to honor our military heroes?” The scholarship programs are open to students in public, private or home schools. 

Bernie Crouse, the post’s service officer and patriotic instructor, visits schools in Maricopa and surrounding areas. He teaches flag etiquette, the history of the American flag and the history of the Buddy Poppy, which dates to 1922, sharing his insight about what the Buddy Poppy stands for and its historic beginnings. Crouse will be at local schools soon with information on the various scholarship programs available through the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Post 12043 invites any veteran who may have questions about joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars to contact them at www.Maricopavfw.org.

Submitted photo