WITH Remembrance Day (November 11) looming, South Africans are encouraged to wear a red or purple poppy as a symbol to remember those people and animals who served and died in the line of duty in wars in which this country also participated.
Also read: SA Legion appeals for Poppy Day sellers to assist
This annual tradition, known as Remembrancetide, runs over the first two weeks of November and culminates in Poppy Day on November 11. The symbolic red and purple poppies will be on sale in several centres throughout The Bluff, including but not limited to the following SA Legion tables, Bluff Hillside and The Bluff Spar on Saturday morning (November 9).
The significance of Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day, is commemorated as it marks the end of World War I in 1918. It is a day when everyone is supposed to remember the bravery and sacrifice of servicemen, women and animals that have been affected by war and conflict. In South Africa, the day assumes a special meaning, with the South African Legion spearheading commemorations and support for veterans across the country. The slogan ‘Lest we forget’ is particularly apt in these trying times.
Support the Poppy SA Legion Campaign
The South African Legion, a non-profit organisation, has obtained municipal approval to conduct fundraising on Poppy Day through the sale of poppies. In this regard, the Legion needs volunteers to sell these poppies as a symbolic gesture of remembrance and respect. Funds collected from the poppy campaign are used on ex-service personnel and their families through support in the form of housing, pensions, employment and other necessary requirements.
The SA Legion is part of an international organisation caring for veterans and their dependents. The South African Legion was instituted in 1921 and is still the oldest military veterans’ care association in South Africa. Besides raising funds via the poppy campaign, the legion owns several houses within the Durban area and provides subsidised housing for ex-service men and women. Due to the steadily decreasing community of veterans, the legion has decided to open its housing programme to civilians who subscribe to the same ideals and standards as well.
Get involved
The community is urged to support the cause by buying a poppy, or by serving at one of the legion’s tables on Saturday. To volunteer, or for more information on the work of the SA Legion, call Brad or Jeanette on 031 205 0578 or email admin@salegion.durban.
Dates to diarise
- Remembrance Day (Armistice Day): Monday, November 11.
- Remembrance Sunday: Sunday, November 10.
- Poppy Sale Day: Saturday, November 9.
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