Veterans of Foreign Wars posts throughout central Missouri will be visible in the coming months seeking donations for their Post Relief Funds.
District 6 Public Relations Chair and Junior Vice Commander Teresa Shane said posts generally solicit donations at supermarkets, on intersection corners or at event booths. She added the solicitations may correspond with Armed Forces Day, Veterans Day or Memorial Day.
She said the VFW by-laws dictate the funds in the account can be used for specific purposes including aiding needy or disabled veterans, providing care to veterans in nursing homes or hospitals, veterans rehabilitation, welfare, and service work, and providing historical and educational programs.
“The posts have seen an increase in need from our area veterans,” Shane said. “With veterans having to choose between food, rent or utilities and being a paycheck away from homelessness, the Relief Fund is an essential component of our posts caring for veterans.”
She said many people are unaware of the importance or significance of the red poppy.
According to the Buddy Poppy brochure, the VFW conducted the first nationwide distribution of the red poppy in 1922 and now purchases the poppies from disabled, needy and aging veterans in rehabilitation hospitals.
“Many posts will have information about the red poppy and the poem “In Flanders Field” by Canadian officer Col. John McCrae is the inspiration behind the program,” Shane said. “Many people are unaware of the history of the red poppy, so I enjoy telling people the story when I distribute the red poppies.”
“In 2017, the VFW distributed more than 9 million Buddy Poppies around the world,” she added. “Those distributions raised more than $12 million. This program truly represents the VFW’s commitment to honoring and serving veterans.”
