The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal kicks off in Ipswich this Saturday, 26 October, with a special launch event outside the Town Hall.
Why it matters: The Poppy Appeal raises crucial funds to support serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, ensuring they can access the help they need.
The big picture: The Poppy Appeal launch marks the start of Ipswich's Remembrance period, which includes:
Remembrance Sunday service on 10 November at the Cenotaph in Christchurch Park.
Armistice Day commemorations on 11 November at the Fields of Honour in the Old Cemetery and the Cenotaph.
Key details: The Mayor will officially start the local campaign, encouraging residents to support the cause, and volunteers will begin distributing poppies for donations across Ipswich.
Launch date: Saturday, 26 October
Location: Outside Ipswich Town Hall
Host: Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Elango Elavalakan
How to get involved:
Buy and wear a poppy to show your support
Donate online at www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal
Volunteer to help with poppy distribution (contact local Royal British Legion branch)
What they're saying: Mayor Elango Elavalakan said, "We hope Ipswich residents will join us by attending Remembrance Day events, supporting the Poppy Appeal, and observing the two-minute silence."
Why poppies?: The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance after the poem "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae, which described poppies growing on battlefields during World War I. Wearing a poppy is a personal choice. If you choose to wear one, it's typically displayed on the left lapel from late October until Remembrance Sunday.
The bottom line: The Poppy Appeal offers people a way to support those who have served and continue to serve in the armed forces while honouring the memory of the fallen.
