City launches Poppy Appeal

Also trying to raise money for the appeal, Dorchester Town Football Club will be taking on a Dorset Army eleven on Wednesday, November 11, for a Remembrance Day friendly.

“The poppy is a symbol of tribute to the more than 117,000 Canadians whom have died in the service of the country, either in the military, the merchant navy or other wartime agencies with supported the war effort”, reads a legion press release.

Following the launch, I was delighted to go to the Wiltshire Poppy Ball hosted by the Steam Museum at the Great Western Railway last Saturday – one of the first events in Swindon’s Festival of Remembrance to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the First World War, especially honouring all those who served in the Great War and the fearless men who secured our victory in Europe and against Japan 70 years ago.

While raindrops pelted onlookers and the poppy campaign’s flag was raised, Brabant received the first poppy, a symbol of sacrifices not to be forgotten. Later, a wreath will be laid at the Korean War cenotaph at the Legion. People take the mickey out of each other.

That’s a sentiment that’s important to 85-year-old Peter Melkert of Halifax, a legion member who has been selling poppies for 33 years, including the last 18 at the same grocery store in the city’s south end.

“The Royal British Legion provides invaluable support to our veterans, serving service personnel and their families and I’m grateful for the continued support we receive from communities and local business across the region”.

After Armistice Day, customers can also recycle their poppies in-store.

Andy Young, chairman of the choir, said: “We are privileged and honoured to take part in this concert to mark the start of the Remembrance weekend”.

VETERANS will be marking Remembrance Sunday with a series of services and parades around the borough.

Ajax Legion Branch 322 holds its annual Veteran’s Parade on November 8, with veterans marching from the Legion at 1:15 p.m.to St. Paul’s United Church, 65 Kings Cres., for a church service at 1:45 p.m. A potluck reception will follow at the Legion.

In previous years, the march has returned to the High Street at the end of the memorial service, in Wickford Memorial Park, but that will not happen this year.

The war memorial at Earlestown Town Hall will also be the focal point of a ceremony in Newton-le-Willows from 10.45am.