DEVON POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH
‘Thank You’ to the First World War Generation
‘LAST MAN STANDING’
The Poppy Appeal 2018 will be launched in Devon on Friday 26th October at 11.00 a.m. at RHS Rosemoor, Great Torrington, North .Devon , as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying ‘Thank You’ to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. This year the Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation including those who served, the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists.
This Launch will encompass Devon and its role in WW1. ‘Last Man Standing’ sculpture is surrounded by 100 ceramic poppies beautifully created by local artists in the gardens of RHS Rosemoor. War Horse origins in Devon are highlighted with horse and soldier from the War Horse Farm. The Devon Yeomanry, one of the oldest regiments, will be led by the Piper on to the Field of Remembrance and followed by Naval War Horse. A poem will be read by the daughter of WW1 veteran. His daughter Joan Weekes is also the sister of the last WW1 widow, Dorothy Ellis who sadly died last month.
Our professional singer, now Padre from 29 Commando will sing “You Raise Me Up” interspersed with a reading by Anne Middleton author. The Service of Remembrance will proceed followed by Deputy Lieutenant officially launching the Appeal with a posy presented by a 6 six year.
Carole Arnold RBL said: “Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say ‘Thank You’ for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.
“The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say ‘Thank You.’
“This Poppy Appeal wear your poppy with pride to support the Armed Forces community past and present. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”
The fundraising target in Devon is £1.2 m which will go towards the Legion’s biggest ever national target of £50 million to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.
In the last year the generosity of the British public helped the Legion to support even more veterans and serving in need. . The Legion uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the long lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on issues that affect our community, sport and art based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.
The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: “During the Poppy Appeal 2018 we are calling on the nation to say ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation, not just the British Armed Forces, but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part of the home front.
“The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded. The donation for your poppy will help the Legion support today’s Armed Forces community through hardships, injury and bereavements. Generations of the Armed Forces have continued to serve and sacrifice since the First World War, and we recognise and thank them all for their contribution.
“This Poppy Appeal we have set our highest ever target at £50 million. The Legion’s work is entirely dependent on the public’s generous support – so please wear your poppy with pride and dig deep, knowing that you are supporting our Armed Forces community.”