Support our veterans on Poppy Day

THE South African Legion of Military Veterans in Durban encourages the public to remember and support needy war veterans and their families this year as Poppy Day and Remembrance Day come up next month.

“It’s very important to keep the message of Remembrance alive. The essence of Poppy Day can be found in the words of Captain John McCrae’s poem, In Flander’s Fields, where the medical officer experienced the carnage and destruction of the First World War. He speaks of how the poppies continue to grow despite the fighting and killing on the battlefield and the disturbed earth with trenches, shell holes and bombs. Words that gave soldiers a sense that life and peace will prevail as the war would not last forever,” said Rick Andries, chairman of the SA Legion Durban..

“The famous wartime poem spoke to Moyna Michael who wrote a response to it in, The Victory Emblem, were she suggested the poppy flower be used to keep the faith of soldiers and become a symbol for all those who died in war,” he said.

Since 1920, Andries explained that the Poppy was internationally accepted as “The Flower of Remembrance.” He said the Poppy is used as a symbol for all those who died in the war and is usually worn on the collar or blouse with the leaf traditionally pointed at 11 o’ clock, the time that the Armistice agreement was signed.

Poppy Day is celebrated on Saturday, 7 November this year and is usually the day before Remembrance Sunday, which is the second Sunday in November. Remembrance Day falls on 11 November. Andries said the SA Legion in Durban participates in an annual Remembrance Day service outside Durban City Hall where a Poppy wreath along with other wreaths are laid down in remembrance of those who lost their lives in war.

We give out poppies to wear on Poppy Day in return for a donation towards needy military veterans and their families. “Many are in need and we try to promote the well-being of ex-servicemen and their families,” added Andries. He said a recent new element to Poppy Day was the Purple Poppy which was created to remember animal victims of war.

Churches, organisations, schools or individuals can contact Johann Kruger on 031 205 0578 for poppies, or to volunteer to spend an hour or two at various shopping venues collecting funds and handing out poppies in the run-up to Remembrance Day.