VFW Post 5404 is Proud to be a part of many programs that our National Office has set for us to undertake. These programs come in many forms and for various opportunities. Each are important both to us and to the community. Here is just a short list of what we are working on this year:
Buddy Poppy Program :
- Before Memorial Day in 1922, we conducted our first poppy distribution, becoming the first veterans' organization to organize a nationwide distribution. The poppy soon was adopted as the official memorial flower of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, as it remains today.
During our 1923 encampment, we decided that VFW "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.
In February 1924, we registered the name Buddy Poppy with the U.S. Patent Office. A certificate was issued on May 20, 1924, granting our organization all trademark rights in the name of Buddy under the classification of artificial flowers. No other organization, firm or individual can legally use the name Buddy Poppy.
Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy Competitions:
- The Patriots Pen and Voice of Democracy Competition are held for Middle and High School Students around the State in a Competition for a scholarship and a chance to go to the National Convention at Washington D.C.. Our Post prides itself in getting our youth involved and we want to see them succeed and accomplish their dreams. Each year we will be getting our local schools involved to try and get as many applicants as we can for this wonderful program. In 2024 we proudly awarded 3 students our own awards at the Post level as another district had won the State level. We look forward to seeing what our youth are capable of this year as well!
Flag Distribution around Auburn:
- During Holidays and special events we will help other organizations such as the Civitan Club to put flags on lights poles around Auburn to give the city a Patriotic feel to it. We take great pride in doing so and hope that all our neighbors enjoy the efforts our Veterans put into it.
Honor Guard:
- For Funerals or other special events we have an Honor Guard and Bugler that are ready to Present the Colors and play TAPS during these solemn ceremonies. Our Veterans take great Pride and Care in discharging these duties as each of us knows the sacrifices made by those we honor.
Post Service Officers:
- One of the most important and basic functions of the VFW is our PSO's commonly known as Post Service Officers. If you are a veteran in need of help getting into the Veteran's Affairs long process of disability compensation we are here to help you! Each of us has had our own process going through the VA and all have their own unique stories to share. You are not alone and we are here to help! Stop by the Post or give us a call if you think you have nowhere else to turn before you give up!
Lee County Fair:
- Each year we have a booth at the Lee County Fair Grounds where we do a membership drive for eligible veterans as well as a raffle for the general public. Our booth serves food thanks to our wonderful members of the VFW Auxiliary and our PSO's are available to help ALL veterans if they need advice on how to navigate the VA. During our raffle ticket game, we have an assortment of prizes and we encourage the public to check on our Facebook to see new updates when the time approaches.
Wreathes Across America:
- During the Christmas Holidays, the VFW will go to each cemetery in Auburn and place a wreathe on each Veteran's grave in reembrace of their sacrifice to our nation. This program holds a special place in all our hearts and we hold this tradition in the highest of honors.
