Armistice Day, better known as Remembrance Day, is commemorated on November 11, when we pay tribute and honour those men, women and animals who have served in wars, and those who have died in the line of duty.
Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed since the end of the First World War in 1918. In recent years, around the world, people have been encouraged to wear poppies for the first fortnight in November to remember all those who have been affected by war and conflict. This is known as Rememberancetide.
There are places to purchase poppies in and around the Bluff and Queensburgh areas on Saturday morning (November 9). SA Legion tables will be set up in Southway Mall, Queensmead Mall, Bluff Hillside, and Bluff Spar.
Typically red poppies signify lives lost, and purple poppies signify animals who gave their life in the line of duty.
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The SA Legion, a non-profit organisation, obtains permission from the municipality to raise funds by public collection in and around Durban and environs on Poppy Day, the second Saturday in November- this year, on Saturday, November 9. The legion depends on volunteers to ‘sell’ poppies to be worn as a visual reminder of those who have perished and suffered in war.
In South Africa, Remembrancetide commemorations are spearheaded by the South African Legion – a national organisation, part of a world-wide family that addresses the needs of ex-service personnel and their dependents by way of housing, pensions, employment and general welfare. It is apolitical, non-sectarian, non-racial, non-sexist and non-partisan. Established in 1921, it is the oldest military veterans’ support association in the country.
Apart from promoting the Poppy Campaign in early November, the legion manages properties in greater Durban offering subsidised accommodation to former servicemen and women.
With the community of former servicemen and women dwindling with every passing year, the legion will be transitioning to offer accommodation to men and women who share the philosophy, values and standards held by the SA Legion. The legion is regularly involved in community events to raise awareness and finances to support the work that they do.
For more information, to purchase poppies or to offer to collect at a shopping centre in your area on Poppy Day, contact Brad or Jeanette on 031 205-0578 or email [email protected]
