It’s that time of year when the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal takes place. It officially started last Saturday (29th October) and runs till the 12th November.
The aim of the appeal is to raise as much money as possible for the charity which supports service men and women, as well as veterans and their families. It also reminds us of the many sacrifices made by our service men and women past and present.
But this year the Royal British legion wants you to rethink remembrance.
When we think about veterans and Remembrance, we associate it with the fallen during the first and second world wars, those brave people who put themselves forward to fight so that we could have the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy today. Whilst they will always be in our thoughts, the Legion also wants you to recognise the sacrifices made by today’s generation of service men and women too.
The term veteran doesn’t just apply to those who served in the world wars. There are many ex service- personnel who have faced danger and as a result suffered life changing injuries in the line of duty. For some the biggest dangers they face are the memories that they take home with them.
Cumbria Poppy Appeal launched last week and a vintage 1940’s red double decker bus made its way across South Cumbria, inviting people to remember those fallen heroes, as well as serving soldiers and the younger generation of veterans too.
After departing from Barrow the bus travelled to Ulverston, Kendal, Sedbergh, Appleby and Penrith.
It’s hoped that a target of £500,000 can be raised across the whole of Cumbria with the poppy becoming a symbol of hope by providing ongoing services and support for the armed forces community in the shape of ongoing mental health care, support and physiotherapy, even trips and holidays for families.
There will be a remembrance service at Barrow Cenotaph on Sunday 13th November .
Members of the Royal British Legion, the Ex-services Association, Royal Navy, TAVR, Air Training Corps, St. John Ambulance, British Red Cross, Scouts and Guides as well as similar organisations are invited to walk in the procession. The service starts at 10.56am – those who intend to take part should assemble in the Town Square at 10.10am to move by 10.30am.
There is also a Royal Albert Hall Style Festival of Remembrance at the Coronation Hall in Ulverston on Friday 11th November at 7.30pm. Here’s the details…https://www.thebestof.co.uk/local/barrow-and-furness/events/feature/festival-of-remembrance-1477647692-4419
So wear your poppy with pride and pay your respects to our brave service men and women – past and present.
