May, 2017 is Buddy Poppy Month in Henryetta.
poppy monthMayor Jennifer Clason signed the proclamation Thursday morning with VFW Post 539 officers Vernon Long and Bill Goodner.
The annual observance is part of the national VFW Buddy Poppy observance, an annual event dating back to 1922 and is held along with the Memorial Day observance.
In 1923, VFW members decided the Buddy Poppies would be assembled by disabled and needy veterans who would be paid for their work to provide them with financial assistance. The next year, disabled veterans at the Buddy Poppy factory in Pittsburgh assembled VFW Buddy Poppies. The designation "Buddy Poppy" was adopted at that time.
Today, VFW Buddy Poppies are still assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA Hospitals.