U.S. source for Rememberance Day lapel poppy?

[CameronCat]

Hi
Nothing like waiting to the last minute ... I'm seeking a source for six lapel poppies for use by family and friends on Rememberance Day, Nov 11th. Simple plastic or felt ones will do; no need for the fancier ceramic or bejeweled ones.

I've found many sources in UK and Canada but none can guarantee timely delivery.
Somebody in the US must have 'em ready to go.

All hints, tips and sources appreciated. Website URLs or phone numbers are even better.

Many thanks!

JT

[Steve Ashton]

Try the folks who originated the poppy tradition, The American Legion. You can sometime also find them at the VFW.
You should be able to find an American Legion post in the phone book. There is a chapter of one, or the VFW, or both in almost every American city.
It used to be quite common to see the American Legion with poppies and a donation can at supermarkets and many businesses had supplies.
If this tradition, which started in the US in 1921, has faded in recent years perhaps one of our members who is an active member of the Legion could see about reviving it.

Or here - http://emblem.legion.org/Poppy-Program/products/746/

From The American Legion website. -
"Until recently, 100 percent of funds derived from the distribution of poppies went toward assisting disabled and hospitalized veterans. However, due to the mounting needs of active-duty servicemembers, Resolution 20 was passed during the Legion’s recent National Executive Committee Spring Meetings to allow donations collected as of May 9, 2013, to not only assist veterans, but also active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Resolution 20 also states that poppy donations collected after May 9 can no longer be used toward Legion family volunteer travel, conferences or apparel. And a post, district or department can only use the funds as outlined in the resolution; they may not be used in a general funds account that’s used for routine expenses. "

[Holcombe Thomas]

Amazon.com has a few options, and can probably ship very quickly. You might be able to get a few from the British, Canadian, Australian, or New Zealand Embassies in Washington, or one of their consulates, if closer to you.

Holcombe

[duke_19_62]

http://www.britishlegionusa.com/#!distributors/ce0 This is a list of poppy distributors in the USA. It doesn't show anyone in Pennsylvania, but there's a guy listed in Baltimore. I don't know if that's close enough for you or not.

I'm a Life Member of the VFW and I wear a British Poppy when I can. I think the VFW "Buddy Poppy" looks a little cheap and cheesy in comparison to the British poppy.

[California Highlander]

I remember my father (US Navy WWII vet) and mother handing out poppies for donations for the American Legion in the 1970s. It made a strong, positive impression.

[marypenny]

My mother always wore a poppy on "Remembrance Day", although we've changed the name, it's a special day. She had an uncle who was a Major USArmy WWI, wore it for him and for our father, WO1, USN WWII & Korea. I had to send away to get our poppies this year. Sure hope they get here in time! Best thing to do, honor their memory and their service.

[BCAC]

Try the folks who originated the poppy tradition, The American Legion. You can sometime also find them at the VFW.
You should be able to find an American Legion post in the phone book. There is a chapter of one, or the VFW, or both in almost every American city.
It used to be quite common to see the American Legion with poppies and a donation can at supermarkets and many businesses had supplies.
If this tradition, which started in the US in 1921, has faded in recent years perhaps one of our members who is an active member of the Legion could see about reviving it.

Or here - http://emblem.legion.org/Poppy-Program/products/746/

From The American Legion website. -
"Until recently, 100 percent of funds derived from the distribution of poppies went toward assisting disabled and hospitalized veterans. However, due to the mounting needs of active-duty servicemembers, Resolution 20 was passed during the Legion’s recent National Executive Committee Spring Meetings to allow donations collected as of May 9, 2013, to not only assist veterans, but also active-duty military personnel and their families with medical and financial needs. Resolution 20 also states that poppy donations collected after May 9 can no longer be used toward Legion family volunteer travel, conferences or apparel. And a post, district or department can only use the funds as outlined in the resolution; they may not be used in a general funds account that’s used for routine expenses. "

7 to 10 business days delivery from there, Steve. Might just be a bit late!

[English Bloke]

I realise you may be a bit late to get UK derived products in time for 11 November but a bit of forward planning for next year might be an option. I wear a poppy lapel badge all year round so I'll put the links up for my sources for those and some other bits and bobs for anyone who's interested.

Royal British Legion Poppy Shop (all products listed, select 'view all' from the drop-down on the top right to see everything on one page)

Poppy Scotland (all products via tabs across top of page) Poppy Scotland is merged with the RBL but raises funds to support ex service personnel and their families specifically in Scotland.

ABF Ties (silk and polyester options)

Royal British Legion Riders Wrist bands from the Forces Store (have a browse, there are many other goodies in their full range).

As I say, probably too late for this year but plenty of scope for getting equipped for 2015. I'm not sure how you'd be fixed for getting hold of UK made paper poppies in the United States, but I'd have thought a nicely worded email to the RBL Poppyshop explaining the circumstances and an offer of a generous donation might well entice their assistance.

More Links:

Australian Poppy Lapel badge.

New Zealand Poppy Lapel badge.

Hope this is helpful.

[duke_19_62]

I'm not sure how you'd be fixed for getting hold of UK made paper poppies in the United States...

http://www.britishlegionusa.com/#!distributors/ce0 This is the list of USA distributors, organized by State.

[English Bloke]

http://www.britishlegionusa.com/#!distributors/ce0 This is the list of USA distributors, organized by State.

Thank you for adding that Duke, it's useful. I note on the same site that the USA Poppy Appeal Chairman and the USA Poppy Appeal Representative can be contacted for more info.