In the first photo, from left to right, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2200 senior vice commander Robert Hangartner, post commander Roger Towers and post members William Seifert and Roger McLaen pose for a photo on Saturday, Nov. 11, outside of the Safeway in Centralia while handing out “Buddy” Poppies and collecting donations to help local veterans.
The VFW conducted the first nationwide artificial poppy flower distribution by a veterans organization in 1922, and soon after the poppy was adopted as the official memorial flower of the VFW, according to the organization’s website.
In 1923, the VFW decided that “Buddy” Poppies would be assembled by veterans in need and disabled veterans who were paid for their work. Then, in 1924, “Buddy” Poppy was registered and trademarked by the VFW.
The “Buddy” Poppy program still exists today and provides veterans who assemble the flowers with financial assistance and access to veterans’ rehabilitation programs and services.
Despite being listed as the Chehalis post, Hangartner explained VFW Post 2200 actually meets at the American Legion’s Grant Hodge Post 17, located at 111 W. Main St. in Centralia. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
