Key West Mayor Craig Cates, during Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, proclaimed November 7 – 11 as Buddy Poppy Days, in honor of Veterans of Foreign Wars.

The poppy has been named the official memorial flower for Veterans of Foreign Wars, as it represents the blood shed by American Service members. Since 1922, the VFW has been making and distributing these symbolic reminders to reiterate that the VFW will never forget their sacrifice.

With Veteran’s Day approaching, members of the VFW will be distributing them around town. The flowers are assembled by disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals. The proceeds of the poppy sales are donated to the VFW Relief Fund to assist these veterans in need.

Buddy Poppy Committee member and member of the Southernmost VFW Post #3911 Rod Delostrinos, encouraged the community to support this cause by donating when they encounter veterans selling the poppies at local groceries.