SAINT Lucia will join with the rest of the world on Sunday, November 10, 2019 to observe the 101 anniversary of the First World War, and the armistice that ended the Second World War at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1945.
During the First World War 1914-1918, most of the fighting took place in Western Europe and some of the areas blasted became very dark, but in the midst of all the bombed areas, some beautiful flowers were resilient and flourished amidst all the debris.
Those flowers were sold and the sales were used to help the veterans with housing, medicals, and also with burial expenses. That is where the Poppies originated.
Our Veterans are all in their 90s; those who have passed, their widows are in their 80s, and some are dependable on the Ex-service Legion for assistance.
A press release from The Poppy Appeal Committee stated that in its drive to raise funds for the relief of ex-servicemen, women, dependents, widows and orphans, the Committee is seeking voluntary financial assistance from members of the public.
“To achieve our goal, we should be grateful if you would help with a generous contribution to this year’s Poppy Appeal, since this is our only tangible means of earning revenue. Your donation will help our Veterans and their families to “live on.” Every gift is appreciated,” the media release noted.
All it takes is to purchase one Poppy for $1.00 which will go a long way to assist veterans and the widows.
Poppies can be purchased at The Central Library, People’s Discount Store, R.J. Clarke and Co., A.F. Valmont & Co. Ltd., Castries Constituencies Council, Vieux Fort Town Council, Soufriere Town Council, Castries Presbytery and JP’s Establishments on Micoud Street, and High Street.