Everything’s coming up poppies at VFW Post 2955 in Roscoe

Veterans and auxiliary members of Roscoe VFW Post 2955 were winners at the Illinois State Buddy Poppy display competition again this year. Each year, VFW posts around the country compete for the most outstanding patriotic and decorative display using thousands of crepe paper poppies.

The Roscoe VFW entries have placed in the regional and state competitions every year. The 2025 entries were no exception.

The 6th District Regional event was held on March 15, 2025, at the Veterans Memorial Hall and Museum, 211 North Main Street in Rockford. Post 2255 auxiliary won first prize in Category 2, Division C, for an American Eagle display using 3,404 poppies.  Auxiliary member Cathy Rhoda created the display. 

Veteran Bill Graves and Post Commander Gene Mund won second place for their Category 2, Division B, entry.  The display represents veterans killed or missing in battle.  Over 1,450 poppies were used. 

Up next is the Illinois State competition in Springfield, Illinois, in June. First and second-place winners in Springfield will advance to the national competition in Reno, Nevada.

A memorable poppy diorama created by auxiliary member Cathy Suchowski in 2024 can currently be seen in the Roscoe Middle School office at 6121 Elevator Road in Roscoe.