Fulton VFW distributes buddy poppies, fundraise for veterans in need

May 24, 2014 at 5:06 p.m. | Updated May 24, 2014 at 5:06 p.m.

Kevin Flynn, Westlake Ace Hardware employee, buys a buddy poppy Saturday from Fulton VFW Post volunteer Peggy Houchins. Flynn said he bought the buddy poppy in honor of his son, who will return to the U.S. from Afghanistan this week.
Kevin Flynn, Westlake Ace Hardware employee, buys a buddy poppy Saturday from Fulton VFW Post volunteer Peggy Houchins. Flynn said he bought the buddy poppy in honor of his son, who will return to the U.S. from Afghanistan this week.

Members and volunteers with the Fulton VFW Post 2657 handed out buddy poppies Saturday for a $1 suggested donation. Dennis Byler, Vietnam War veteran who served in the Marine Corps, stood outside Moser's from 8-10 a.m. and wore a T-shirt dedicated to soldiers who've died. The back of his shirt read, "The true heroes are the ones who never made it home."

Byler said he thinks about all those who've passed every Memorial Day, but he especially remembers three of his best friends he lost in the Vietnam War. Byler is a three-time Purple Heart recipient.

According to information distributed by the Fulton VFW, buddy poppies "represent blood shed by American military service members and reminds us of their sacrifices." It also states that disabled and needy veterans in VA hospitals create the buddy poppies.