‘Thank You’ to the First World War Generation
The Poppy Appeal 2018 is launching on Saturday 27th October in Telford and Wrekin as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying ‘Thank You’ to the generation who served during the conflict.
This year the Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation.
Joining the movement and encouraging locals to say their own ‘Thank You’, Telford & Wrekin Council is helping to launch the Legion’s Poppy Appeal at Southwater in Telford on Saturday.
This includes inviting people to come down to see the Shropshire Poppy Sculpture located in the library from 11:30am.
The sculpture has been created by 81 Primary schools in Shropshire and Telford and will stand as a lasting legacy to the 5,286 lives lost from the county during the First World War. There will be a chance for the public to write their very own thank you on special cards which will go on display throughout the Remembrance period.
Once the sun has set, there will be the switching on of a poppy light projection in Southwater and at seven other locations across the county.
These are being backed by Stirchley & Brookside Parish Council, Oakengates Town Council, Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council, Wrockwardine Wood & Trench Parish Council, Newport Town Council, Berrington Parish Council and Donnington & Muxton Parish Council.
Councillor Chris Turley, Telford & Wrekin Council's Armed Forces lead, said: “Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say ‘Thank You’ for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.
“The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say ‘Thank You.’”
Councillor Rae Evans, Telford & Wrekin Council's cabinet lead for the Military Covenant, said: "This is an opportunity for residents to show their gratitude for the sacrifices made by thousands of brave people during a conflict that devastated the world."
Last year the county raised half a million pounds in fundraising for the Poppy Appeal, a new record. The target for this year is to beat that, which will go towards the Legion’s biggest ever national target of £50m to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.
In the last year, the generosity of the British public helped the Legion answer more requests for support. The Legion uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the long lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on issues that affect our community, sport and art based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.
