The lovely lady opposite is Katherine Jenkins, dubbed "The Forces Sweetheart" after singing with Dame Vera Lynne at the VE commemorations in 2005. The picture is from the launch of this year's Poppy Appeal. Most people associate the appeal with helping veterans of the two World Wars, but as this extract from the British Legion press pack explains, the money raised from the appeal is needed as much now as before:‘Is the Poppy Appeal still relevant?’ some ask. Sadly, events in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown us that, 85 years after the first Poppy Day was held to help soldiers returning from WWI, the cost of war remains the same. Every year many thousands of serving and ex-Service people and their families who have fallen on hard times continue to approach The Royal British Legion for help.
That’s why the Poppy Appeal is as needed now as it ever has been. Last year the Appeal raised a record total of £24.7 million and yet this only accounts for a third of the £75 million required to fund the Legion’s vital work. Much of this money goes to fund Poppy Support, the Legion’s range of welfare services set up to support those who have served and continue to serve in the British Armed Forces.So even if you may not agree with what's happening with our Armed Forces at the moment, the men and women who have served and are serving on our behalf need all the support we can give them. So dip your hand in your pocket, and wear your poppy with pride....
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