City residents are set to pay tribute to those in the armed forces who have served their country after this year’s Poppy Appeal was launched at the Brangwyn Hall.
The venue was chosen for events to commemorate the start of the annual fundraiser that supports services for past and current members of the armed forces.
Present at the launch were Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Paxton Hood-Williams, along with Cllr Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Louise Fleet, and a number of representatives from the Royal British Legion.
Also planned for this year is a Swansea Remembers event in St David’s Place on November 11 at 10.30am and a Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church on November 10. This will be in addition to many community events being staged by veterans, their families and supporters in communities across Swansea.
Cllr Hood-Williams said: “So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years, giving their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that many of us sometimes take for granted. This year is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, where so many gave their lives in the cause of freedom.
“I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “Our veterans will need our support and the Royal British Legion does brilliant work for them and for serving members of the armed forces. We should all give what we can in this year’s Poppy Appeal.”
Cllr Lewis said: “Communities in Swansea have a proud heritage of service in the armed forces. Our support for past and current members of the armed forces is unstinting and year-round. But the poppy appeal gives us all the chance to say thank you to the Royal British Legion and to all those who have served and continue to serve.”
Poppies will be on sale at a number of council venues around the city, including some libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.
Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said: “Remembrance events have always been a very personal experience for veterans, our friends, families and supporters. It will be the same this year as we commemorate the anniversary of D-Day.
“The poppy has been the emblem and a rallying-point for Royal British Legion fundraising for well over a century. It’s very special in so many ways because it is a reminder of the poppies of Flanders, where so many gave their lives during World War I.”
