U.S. source for Rememberance Day lapel poppy?

**Piper** · 4th November 14, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

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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. "[/I]

Oddly enough, at least in my area, the practice seems to have both diminished and spread. I remember as a youngster that there were always 2 or 3 "stations" along Main St. every Veteran's Day, with a couple of Vets seated at a card table full of poppies accepting donations. Now the only place I see the poppies is at the local hardware store. One or two members of the local Legion Post set up in the store to collect donations on Veteran's Day. However, I see the poppies being offered at Memorial Day, and even random weekends throughout the year. Being a small town, I recognize the folks involved (not always male), so I'm certain it's not some kind of scam.

**WalesLax** · 4th November 14, 08:52 AM

Not sure where in PA you are, but I got mine at Tim Horton's (in Detroit, fwiw). If there is one near you, it might be worth a try.

Rob

**CameronCat** · 4th November 14, 09:23 AM

[*Ding*] ... and we have a winner!

Via the Royal British Legion website, I was able to order my half dozen poppies out of "Best of British" in Hampton, Virginia and they should be here in plenty of time. There were also two outlets listed in states closer to me -- one I could easily drive to -- but both said by phone that they no longer sell the poppies.

As a side note, I did call both the American Legion and VFWs in our town and a neighboring town. The folks who answered either had no idea of what I wanted, or said they hadn't seen them sold in years. Few even knew the significance except as a general fundraiser. Maybe the original idea needs to catch on in the US again.

Thank you to everyone who responded with help and ideas. Next year I'll start earlier.

PS: I'd love to have some Tim Horton's in the greater Phila. area. We hit a few when we were in Canada a few years ago and loved 'em!