Launching the Poppy Appeal were, from the left, Eric Le Quesne, Pamela Hale, John Wallbridge, Dave Hainsworth, John Sylvester from Ssafa, Jim Teasell and Barry Cash. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0861154)
ISLANDERS are being asked to help servicemen injured in Afghanistan and their families as part of this year’s Poppy Appeal.
The Royal British Legion appeal was launched yesterday.
Second World War veteran Jim Teasell raised the Royal British Legion flag on the Weighbridge roundabout to mark the event.
‘It is quite an emotional experience,’ said Mr Teasell, 82, who served in the Parachute Regiment.
‘I was asked to raise it and have done so for about the past 10 years, but unfortunately I was away last year.’
Mr Teasell said it was important that people continued to wear poppies.
‘The original idea was to help raise money for members of the armed forces injured or killed in the First World War and their families,’ he said.
‘I think now people realise that there are people who still need help.’
As well as raising money, the appeal was also important in remembering servicemen who had died while fighting for their country, he said.
‘We need to remember those who don’t come back. I was lucky.’
Guernsey Royal British Legion branch president Major Eric Le Quesne said the Poppy Appeal continued to grow.
‘Everyone is seeing the horrifying scenes of what is happening in Iraq and Afghanistan so I’m calling on the Guernsey public, who are always very generous, to help support the appeal again this year,’ he said.
‘The Royal British Legion is a very important charity and there are many people who need help.
‘But it is important, too, that we remember servicemen who have lost their lives.
‘Every year we see ex-servicemen gather to remember the dead and there is always a tear in their eye.’
He added that the Legion was always open to new members from the forces.
nÊPoppies went on sale yesterday and will be available from most shops. Anyone running a business who wants a poppy box and tin,
can contact John Brehaut on 07781 107066.
Article posted on 23rd October, 2009 - 2.29pm
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