To commemorate Veterans Day a day early, a special exhibit of poster art from both World Wars is scheduled for Simi Valley Town Center on Saturday, Nov. 10

The Historical Military Poster Art exhibit, featuring approximately 36 original French and American posters from the world wars, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 10 in the Center Court of the regional shopping center located at 1555 Simi Town Center Way.

The exhibit by Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 10049 of Simi Valley, presents poster art from the collection of VFW member Tony Bouchet. About 90 percent of the lithographs are from before 1920, said Bouchet, a longtime Simi Valley resident.

Concurrently with the event, VFW Post 10049 will present its "Buddy Poppies" program to help raise proceeds to assist veterans welfare, or veterans' needy dependents and orphans.

The authentic posters are from the World War I period through World War II, illustrating the patriotic spirit of the period when America and France were involved in the two major wars of the 20th century.

The VFW "Buddy Poppy" program originated in the post-WWI era. The "Buddy Poppy" movement was inspired by Canadian Army Col. John McCrae's famous poem, "In Flanders Fields." The VFW organized disabled, hospitalized and aging veterans to make paper flowers known as "Buddy Poppies" and ship them out for distribution by VFW Posts throughout the United States.

The exhibit will be presented in the beautiful outdoor setting of Simi Valley Town Center, with its convenient parking and pedestrian access, and beautiful architecture, landscaping and lighting.

Locally anticipated for more than 20 years, Simi Valley Town Center is a 600,000-square-foot open-air shopping, dining and entertainment regional center. Located north of Highway 118, between First Street and Erringer Road, the center features premier tenants such as Anthropologie, BombayKids, Brighton Collectibles, California Pizza Kitchen, Coach, Urban Outfitters, White House Black Market, Z Gallerie and more than 100 additional retailers and eateries. Regular hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Restaurant, holiday and department store hours may vary.