Tag: Poppyscotland

Veterans urge cyclists to get on their bikes to support Poppyscotland

A FORMER Royal Artilleryman, who cycled 855 miles for Poppyscotland, has got back on his bike to launch the charity’s Sportive event.

Billy Morrison, 57, from Musselburgh, is urging cyclists of all ages and abilities to join the 7th annual cycling event throughout East Lothian and the Scottish Borders.

He joined former comrade, Jack Regan, 54, from Tranent, to launch the Sportive, Poppyscotland’s biggest fundraiser outside of the Poppy Appeal. Returning after a two-year break, it has already raised more than £250,000 to support current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families across the country.

Around 1000 cyclists are expected to take part in the event on Sunday 25th September, sponsored by Fred. Olson Renewables.

Starting and finishing at Prestonpans Community Centre, three routes ranging from 45 to 102 miles will take in the stunning coastal road to North Berwick then loop round the East Lothian countryside. More adventurous riders will cycle over the Lammermuirs, dipping down to Chirnside and Duns in the Scottish Borders. 

Billy, who served in the first Gulf War and Afghanistan and now works as a Tesco delivery driver, has already raised an incredible £10,000 for Poppyscotland as part of his 1921 Poppy Pledge.

He cycled the distance of Land’s End to John O’Groats around East Lothian and on a static bike in the Musselburgh Tesco store in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday last year.

He said: “I’d encourage cyclists of all ages and abilities to join in, get fit, and raise funds for a great cause. I’ve been very lucky myself, but I see this as a way to give back to former colleagues.

“Whenever I needed a bit of help, someone always stepped up for me. That’s something I’ll always recognise, and I want to make sure that everyone else who has served can get the help they need.”

Jack, who served alongside Billy in Iraq and recently retired as a Scottish Power linesman, added: “This is a fantastic day out, as well as a way to show our support to former servicemen and women and their families.

“Veterans can be very reluctant to ask for help, but we want to get the message out that it’s only a phone call away.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We’re very excited that the Sportive is returning to East Lothian and the Borders after a two-year break. It’s always a sell-out event, so we are encouraging cyclists to sign up as soon as possible.

“We keep numbers low to avoid the need for road closures, and the intimate and friendly feel of the event is one of its attractions. The route takes in stunning coastal views and country roads, while the timed hill climb will challenge more experienced cyclists.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Fred. Olson Renewables for continuing to sponsor us this year. This means 100 per cent of the sign-up fee and any sponsorship raised will go directly to our work supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

“We’ve already raised more than a quarter of a million pounds to provide vital welfare support to families across Scotland, from help with housing and employment to mental and physical health issues.”

The Sportive is an “open road” cycling event, meaning that no roads will be closed in order to minimise disruption to the public.

Participants on e-bikes and tandems are welcome to take part, while riders can have a free place if they are supporting a cyclist with a disability.

For more information or to register, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/sportive

Falklands veterans and families join charities to mark 40th anniversary

Veterans of the Falklands War and families of those who lost their lives in the conflict will take centre stage during commemorations to mark its 40th anniversary this spring.

Leading military charities Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland today launched a programme of commemorative events in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government, to remember the conflict which took place between April and June 1982.

The programme will culminate in a national parade and service of remembrance in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 18th. Falklands veterans and bereaved relatives are also invited to attend the UK-wide service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on June 14th, the anniversary of the ceasefire.

Other activities will include a package of resources for schools to allow young people to learn more about conflict as part of Poppyscotland’s wider learning programme.

Poppyscotland’s interactive mobile museum, Bud, will also visit schools in areas which have a close connection to the conflict, including Arbroath, which is home to 45 Commando, the Royal Marine unit which played a key role in the liberation. An event that will see pipers across the globe join in tribute to those who fell will also form part of the commemorations.

Theresa Davidson, from Glenrothes, whose husband Lance Sergeant Clark Mitchell was killed on the day of the Argentine surrender, joined the charities to lay a wreath at the Falklands Memorial Garden in Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh.

There, she spoke for the first time of her years of heartache following his loss and the importance of remembering the sacrifices of all those who served.

The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, a British overseas territory in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. In total, 255 British servicemen, 649 Argentine military personnel, and three civilians died, and many more were wounded.

Mrs Davidson, 65, a foster carer, was just 25 when she was widowed in the conflict. Lance Sergeant Mitchell was one of eight Scots Guards killed in the Battle of Mount Tumbledown in the early hours of June 14th.

She said: “I remember it as if it were yesterday. I was in our quarters at Lasswade, Midlothian, when an officer and his wife came to the door to tell me the news. My world just fell apart. I lost everything: my husband, my best friend, the family we wanted together.”

She had met Clark, then a junior soldier from Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, at the age of 17 when she was training with the Women’s Royal Army Corps. After an “amazing” six years of married life in Germany and England, they had returned to Scotland and were hoping to start a family when the conflict began.

Mrs Davidson said: “Nobody knew anything about the Falklands – we thought they were up in the north of Scotland. It was only when we saw the map, we realised they were 8000 miles away.

“When he was away, I had this dreadful fear, and just lived for the news. On the morning of the 14th I felt so happy and thought ‘Thank God the war is over’. But then it was like something had hit me, and I knew something had happened to Clark.

“Losing Clark changed me, and it took me years to rebuild my life. He was an extremely good soldier, but he was also very gentle, kind and caring, with a great sense of humour and zest for life. I will never forget him or the sacrifices he and the other men made. To me it’s about keeping their memories alive.”

Poppyscotland and Legion Scotland are sharing the stories of veterans and their families in the run-up to June. They are encouraging people to reflect on the Falklands and other recent conflicts, and recognise the contribution made by our Armed Forces community.

Recalling his memories of serving on the front line in the Falklands, Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted to be able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a national event in Edinburgh to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War on 18 June 2022. 

“As we approach the 40th Anniversary I look forward to participating at a variety of events and commemorations to pay tribute to the heroism of those brave men and women who made up the Task Force which set sail to free the Islands. This is also a time for reflection and a chance to remember all those who lost their lives and to those who made an enormous contribution during the conflict, including civilians and dockyard workers.”

Unveiling the programme of Falklands 40 events, Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland said: “The Falklands conflict was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the Armed Forces.

“Although it lasted just 74 days, it claimed the lives of hundreds of servicemen and had a lasting impact on thousands more, as well as their families. Many veterans still struggle with physical or mental scars, or have faced hardships in the years afterwards.

“Between April and June, communities across Scotland will be commemorating the 40th anniversary of this conflict and reflecting on the service and sacrifice of so many. We are pleased to be able to hold a national Scottish event in Edinburgh to engage with our Armed Forces, Legion Scotland members and the wider public, and would encourage everyone to play an active part in the commemorations.

“We would also love to hear from anyone who is planning a commemorative event in their community so we can help to promote this alongside the other Falklands 40 events.”

Mark Collins, Interim Chief Executive of Poppyscotland, said: “We want to remember the extraordinary efforts of thousands of service personnel, the civilians who played a vital role, as well as their families. This is also a chance for people of all ages to learn more about the Falklands conflict and how it has shaped our recent history.

“Poppyscotland’s learning programme will reach schools around the country, engaging young people and showing the impact that the conflict had on people and communities. By sharing veterans’ stories, we can bring their experiences to life, as well as highlighting the role our Armed Forces play today and how we can support them and their families.”

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Bereaved families are entitled to free transport to the National Memorial Arboretum event – call 0808 802 8080 for more details.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion

Lothians to Light Up Red for 100 Years of the Poppy

This year marks 100 years of the Poppy as the national symbol of Remembrance, and to celebrate the important milestone, Poppyscotland are encouraging landmarks, tourist destinations and business properties across Edinburgh and the Lothians to ‘Light Up Red’.  

The charity is calling for mass involvement from schools, universities, council buildings, monuments, statues and other attractions during the period leading up to Remembrance Sunday from 22nd October to 14th November.

Any building with external lighting can take part simply by adding red gel filters to the flood or up-lights to help Poppyscotland commemorate the centenary of the Poppy. Previous participants include Edinburgh Castle and Edinburgh Airport. 

Three million Poppies, which are all handmade by veterans at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh, began their journey to cities, towns and villages across the country last month, ahead of the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal. To celebrate the 100-year milestone, around half a million special-edition centenary Poppies have also been produced.  

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is the largest annual charity street collection in Scotland and raises more than £2 million each year. The money raised from the Poppy Appeal and year-round fundraising enables Poppyscotland to support members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing services in advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.  

With last year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal being badly impacted by the pandemic, the centenary of the Appeal takes on an even greater significance.

Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising and Learning at Poppyscotland, said: “The last 18 months have been a very difficult time for us as a charity, and even more so for the Armed Forces community we support.

“The pandemic halted all our major fundraising events and we had to drastically change the way in which we reached out to the public for donations. Despite this we have still provided our vital, life-changing support uninterrupted throughout the pandemic.  

“The support of local businesses and national landmarks has been fantastic over many years, and we’re eager to hear from other locations that would like to join us in paying tribute to Scotland’s Armed Forces community. To see the country light up red during the Remembrance period will be even more poignant as, 100 years on, the Poppy Appeal remains as important now as it ever has been.”  

For more information about how to Light Up Red for Poppyscotland and the 2021 Scottish Poppy Appeal, visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/light-up-red 

Edinburgh Volunteers urgently needed for Scottish Poppy Appeal

Poppyscotland, the leading Armed Forces charity, is marking Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) by celebrating the contributions made by its army of volunteers, and inspiring others to get involved too. 

The annual Poppy Appeal is Scotland’s largest fundraising campaign and the money it raises provides life-changing support for the Armed Forces community. This year will mark the centenary of the Scottish Poppy Appeal and the range of services it enables Poppyscotland to provide is as vital today as it was in 1921.

The Appeal is only possible thanks to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and as planning gets underway for the 2021 Appeal, Poppyscotland needs new Scottish Poppy Appeal Organisers in Edinburgh.

The charity’s Head of Fundraising Gordon Michie said: “By volunteering for Poppyscotland, you will be helping us transform the lives of veterans, those currently serving, and their families. Our Armed Forces community needs our support now more than ever.

“This Volunteers’ Week, we’re asking individuals, businesses, groups of friends, or community associations that have good organisational skills to step forward and lead this year’s Appeal in Edinburgh. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do – without their vital support, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver the Scottish Poppy Appeal.”

Scottish Poppy Appeal Organiser volunteers are crucial in helping raise funds for the charity’s welfare services, with demand expected to grow in the aftermath of the pandemic. As well as helping to make a difference to people’s lives, volunteering is also an opportunity to meet new people, gain new skills and experience, and get involved in the local community.

To find out more about becoming a Scottish Poppy Appeal Organiser for Edinburgh, or other opportunities to get involved throughout the year, contact Ian Jackson, Volunteer Development Officer at Poppyscotland, on 0131 550 1559, email volunteer@poppyscotland.org.uk or visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/volunteer

ANZACS and Gallipoli to be remembered at online service

With restrictions on public gatherings still in place, Armed Forces charity Legion Scotland will broadcast a ‘virtual’ service of remembrance tomorrow to commemorate ANZAC and Gallipoli Day, Sunday, April 25th.

The annual commemoration would normally take place in the Scottish National War Memorial at Edinburgh Castle, and provide a touching show of comradeship and remembrance to all those who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during the First World War. As with the 2020 event, this year’s ANZAC Day service will be a virtual one, broadcast by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland via their Facebook pages.

Observed on the 25th of April each year, ANZAC Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). It now represents a day when Antipodeans remember the sacrifices made in all conflicts. It is also an important day for Turkey as they remember those they lost in the conflict. 

In a poignant display of remembrance and reconciliation, readings will be given by Colonel Michael Bassingthwaighte DSM, Australian Army Advisor in London; Scott Williamson, New Zealand Honorary Consul Scotland; and Mrs Hatice Tuğba İkizler Fearnley of The Government of the Republic of Turkey. 

The virtual service will be conducted by Legion Scotland National Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell.

Legion Scotland Chief Executive, Dr Claire Armstrong, said: “We had hoped that by now we may have been able to return to physical remembrance events, such is their importance to so many people.

“Sadly, it is still not yet safe to do so but, as we have demonstrated throughout the past year, virtual services ensure the memory of the fallen is not forgotten, even during a global pandemic.”

ANZAC Day services normally commence at dawn, coinciding with the moment ANZAC forces landed on the Gallipoli peninsula in April 1915. Saturday’s broadcast will begin at 5:42am via the Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland Facebook channels and will be available for the public to view again at any time thereafter.

Dr Armstrong added: “As the custodians of Remembrance in Scotland, our involvement in services of commemoration like these is so important and allows all members of our communities to join together to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, or who returned from battles in foreign lands with life-changing injuries.

“We will remember them and, even during these unprecedented times, our enduring message of comradeship comes very much to the fore.”

We Will Remember Them

For the Fallen

BY LAURENCE BINYON

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal 
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again; 
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England’s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound, 
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust, 
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness, 
To the end, to the end, they remain.

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month – we will remember them.

The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.

Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms.

To this day we mark Armistice Day around the United Kingdom with a Two Minute Silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month.

With many unable to take part in Remembrance services and events this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, you can still play your part from home.

Take part in a moment of Remembrance by observing the Two Minute Silence at 11am from your doorstep.

UNKNOWN WARRIOR 100

Huw Edwards presents coverage live from Westminster Abbey of a unique event marking the 100th anniversary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior on BBC One at 10.30am.

HRH The Prince of Wales attends an event marking the centenary of the burial of the Unknown Warrior and the unveiling of the Cenotaph by King George V.

Huw Edwards is at Westminster Abbey with experts to discuss the history of the mysterious Unknown Warrior, whose tomb has inspired similar monuments to the fallen worldwide.

The Order of Service will reflect the funeral of 100 years ago and incorporate two minutes silence at 11am. Ruby Turner performs Abide With Me, Cerys Matthews gives a reading, and there is an address by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Doorstep Remembrance

Although there will be no March Past the Cenotaph this Remembrance Sunday, a National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph will still take place.

The closed ceremony will be broacast live on BBC One and you can tune in from 10.15am as representatives of the Royal Family, the Government and the Armed Forces lay wreaths at the Cenotaph.

You will also be able to watch a live stream of events from the Cenotaph on our Facebook page. 

In 2020 we pay tribute to the men and women of the Second World War generation, and to those of today’s, who have served and sacrificed to defend our nation.

We remember the collaboration of the Commonwealth and Allied nations who stood shoulder to shoulder then to secure our freedom and the communities coming together today to protect us all.

With many unable to take part in Remembrance services and events this year, you can still play your part from home and take part in a moment of Remembrance by observing the Two Minute Silence at 11am from your doorstep.

Remembrance Sunday service held online to honour the fallen

The British High Commission Singapore, in partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans’ League (SAFVL), held a virtual service to mark Remembrance Sunday today (8 November 2020).

The ceremony, broadcast at 10.40am (Singapore time) on the High Commission’s UK in Singapore Facebook page, paid tribute to all who had laid down their lives so that the generations after them could live in peace.

In the UK, Remembrance Sunday is held on the Sunday nearest to Remembrance Day on 11 November; the date marks the official end of the First World War in 1918.

As part of the pre-recorded service, senior representatives from the British High Commission Singapore, the Singapore Armed Forces and its Veterans’ League, and UK defence forces laid poppy wreaths at the Singapore Memorial in the Kranji War Cemetery.

The wreath laying was accompanied by a lamentation delivered remotely by bagpipers from the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force.

At 11am, online viewers observed a two-minute silence, in memory of the fallen.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Defence Advisers from various nations later joined remotely in pledging ‘We Will Remember Them’, in response to a reading of an excerpt from Robert Laurence Binyon’s ‘For the Fallen’.

A joint choir made up of students from Dover Court International, Dulwich College Singapore, Marlborough College Malaysia and Tanglin Trust School performed the hymns ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.

In the segment ‘Reflections from Singapore Youth’, members of the Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band – Swiss Cottage Secondary School shared their personal thoughts on peace and conflict. A bugler from the Singapore National Cadet Corps Command Band also sounded the Last Post and the Reveille.

British High Commissioner to Singapore, Her Excellency Kara Owen, said in her speech: “Normally, we mark Remembrance Sunday together, at a morning service at Kranji War Cemetery. We can’t do so in-person this year. We have to meet virtually instead. But our method of meeting does not dilute our purpose, nor our sincerity.

“Today, we are paying our respects to the fallen and in doing so, we are living out our promise to remember the sacrifices of those – from all nations – who fought and died. A promise to remember their service and re-affirm the values that they fought to preserve.

“And to acknowledge both the courage of those who served their country and our responsibility to work for the peace they fought so hard to achieve.”

And on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11am:

MSP calls on Lothian residents to back Poppy Appeal

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, has called on residents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to back this years poppy appeal.

Charities across Scotland and the UK have been facing an unprecedented challenge this year in much needed fundraising efforts, with social distancing restriction limiting physical fundraising events.

The Scottish Poppy Appeal is no different as thousands of their volunteers are forced to stay at home because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The demand on Poppy Scotland’s vital, life changing services for the arms forces community is increasing rapidly and fundraising is crucial to providing these services.

This year Poppy Scotland have changed the way they are fundraising, with a number of initiatives, including donating and downloading a photo of a poppy, or a poppy to colour in and display in your window to show your support, a virtual Field of Remembrance and a pop up shop on Waverly Bridge by Princess St. Gardens.

The Poppy Appeal is Poppyscotland’s most significant fundraising initiative, aimed at generating more than £2 million, which accounts for over half of the charity’s annual income. 

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “This year the Scottish Poppy Appeal is different to normal, with social distancing restrictions and not being able to go out and fundraise as normal.

“Poppy Scotland have created a number of other ways that people can show their support for our armed forces community and honour those servicemen and servicewomen who have given their lives for their country.

“I would encourage residents in Edinburgh and the Lothians to donate virtually and display a poppy in their window to show their support for the armed forces this Remembrance day.”

Edinburgh Remembrance event moves online

A national service of remembrance in Edinburgh has been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus restrictions. The dedication and wreath laying service at the Garden of Remembrance in the capital’s Princes Street Gardens will instead be broadcast online for the first time.

The annual service normally attracts hundreds of spectators who stand shoulder to shoulder beneath the Scott Monument to pay their respects to the fallen of the First and Second World Wars, and all conflicts since. 

Due to the ban on outdoor events across central belt health board areas, and the risk it would pose to the public, Legion Scotland have been forced to adapt. They will be broadcasting a special service of remembrance live on their Facebook page from 1050 on Monday, ensuring the public can still join together in paying their respects.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We are very disappointed that the opening of the Garden of Remembrance cannot proceed as planned, but we are determined to ensure that the public can still come together in remembrance of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Coronavirus must not be allowed to cancel remembrance, but public safety is paramount.

“Unfortunately, this is not the first time that we have had to adapt our plans this year. We undertook three major commemorations in the 75th anniversary of VE and VJ Days in May and August respectively, and the 80th anniversary of St Valery in June, with considerable success. The virtual programme of events reached millions and were arguably even more successful as a result of being taken online.

“We hope that everyone who would have joined us in Princes Street Gardens for the Service, and thousands of others, will be able to view the virtual service, which will begin around 1050 on our Facebook page. Poppyscotland will be broadcasting the virtual service live through their YouTube channel and Facebook page as well.”

The service will be hosted by Legion Scotland National Padre Rev Dr Karen Campbell and will include a two minute silence at 1100.  The Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh Frank Ross would normally be amongst the wreath laying party. Instead, a wreath was laid at the Garden of Remembrance on behalf of the City of Edinburgh by Deputy Lord Provost Joan Griffiths in private on Friday.

The Lord Provost said: “While it is disappointing that we can’t come together as planned to open the Garden of Remembrance this year, our priority has to be public safety. By adhering to the guidelines we are all playing our part in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

“Although physically not together, as with many areas of our lives, we can join in virtually and watch the poignant service online and my thanks to Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland for their work to make this possible.

“I urge residents to embrace new ways to donate to this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal and embrace the opportunity to observe the season of remembrance. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, remember and show our gratitude and appreciation for the enormous sacrifices that have been made – and continue to be made every day on our behalf – by courageous men and women.”

The current Scottish Government guidelines on outdoor last until 2nd November and further details on what will be permitted on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day are expected later this week.

Dr Armstrong continued: “While we await clarity on how new guidelines will impact on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, it is safe to say that these events, both at a national and local level, cannot proceed as they normally would.

“We are therefore urging all Legion Scotland branches, and other organisations who have responsibility for remembrance events in their local area, to take note of the guidelines and only to stage events that are safe and fully compliant.”

She added: “It is important to note that the Edinburgh Garden and Field of Remembrance is open to the public. While mass gatherings are not permitted, we would very much encourage the public to visit on an individual basis.

“I also urge everyone to support this year’s Scottish Poppy Appeal. Thousands of Poppyscotland volunteers and Legion Scotland members are unable to collect as they normally would. Nevertheless, our Armed Forces community rely on the vital, life-changing support provided by Poppyscotland and they can only continue to deliver that through the funds raised during the Poppy Appeal.”

The virtual service of remembrance can be viewed at any of the following links:

For more information on the 2020 Scottish Poppy Appeal visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk.

Defence Secretary urges troops to support Poppy Appeal

Secretary of State for Defence Ben Wallace has urged members of the UK Armed Forces to support The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal despite changes to the National Service of Remembrance.

The open letter to the armed forces, signed by the Defence Secretary, recognises the huge role the armed forces play in selling poppies and collecting donations for the appeal every year.

Although large public gatherings and fundraising events can’t take place this year, armed forces personnel and members of the public can still show their support by displaying a poppy and joining the 2 minute silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Secretary of State State for Defence, Ben Wallace visited the Poppy Factory in Richmond, London to see how this years poppies are being made by veterans and volunteers.

The open letter:

2020 has been a challenging year but despite these hurdles, we won’t neglect our duty to remember.

Remembrance season traditionally begins with the launch of The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, scheduled this year for the 22 October. Every year, members of the armed forces wear the poppy with pride and help to collect donations from the public – at railway stations, supermarkets, or in our places of work. This year we face unique challenges, but ones that we can work together to overcome and demonstrate our Remembrance with pride.

It is the same can-do spirit that you, alongside our NHS workers, carers and countless volunteers, showed time and again this year as you took part in the nation’s fight back against the virus. Overcoming huge logistical challenges, setting up Nightingales and providing hands-on medical care to those in need.

We faced the same challenge as we marked the 75th anniversaries of VE and VJ Day, but found poignant ways to pay tribute to all those who gave their lives for this country.

This year’s commemorations for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day will indeed feel different. However, Remembrance will take place in communities large and small across the country and we have now published advice for Local Authorities so that communities can find appropriate ways to pay their respects.

And, as it does every year, The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal will go ahead, the importance of fundraising to sustain a commitment to the people they support remains as vital as ever. So, maintain those links with local Legion groups and ensure you’re aware of the local guidelines. There are many ways to get involved, and The Legion’s website is packed full of information about this year’s Appeal.

With imagination and determination, you can play your part alongside The Royal British Legion in helping the UK mark this milestone that remains at the heart of our national calendar.

This November we will demonstrate our undiminished respect for those who have gone before, and our firm commitment to the continued safety of the British people.

The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, Secretary of State for Defence