Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Day on November 11:

'Wear a Poppy and pay gratitude to War Heroes'

Ridma Dissanayake

The Sri Lanka Ex- Servicemen's Association (SLESA) yesterday announced that the 91st Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Day-2012 which is to be commemorated on November 11 will be held at Vihara Maha Devi Park Cenotaph, under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"The whole world has been celebrating the Poppy Day annually, since 1921 to pay gratitude to the War Heroes who paid ultimate sacrifice with their life to protect their Motherland. The theme for Poppy Day is "Wear a Poppy-Show Your Concern".

At the end of the Second world War, November 11 became the "Day of Remembrance" of War Heroes and it is always held on the Sunday, nearest to November 11. November 11 this year, happens to fall to a Sunday, SLESA Chairman Captain Patrick Jayasinghe said.

He was addressing a press briefing at the Media Centre for National Security (MCNS),

"The SLESA has made all arrangements to celebrate this day in a grand manner," Jayasinghe said.

"The SLESA launched their annual Poppy campaign on September 27 with the pinning of the first Poppy on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees. The campaign ends on November 11 with the Poppy Day celebrations, "he added.

He requested the public to wear a Poppy flower and join hands with them to pay gratitude to the War Heroes who gave their tomorrow for the country's today.

"Hence, the Poppy campaign is not a mere project to raise funds to look after the needs of those servicemen who need support for their sustenance, but a continued effort to revere the memories of those who gave their lives in the service of the motherland.

'The SLESA has come up with a series of welfare measures including enhanced financial assistance for medical needs and educational needs of their children,he explained.

"We have spent Rs.12 million for development projects at the Veteran's Home in Bolagala,Katana this year,which is the flagship field project of the SLESA. At present, career guidance is another area which is keenly pursued.

"The recently opened Secretariat of the Kandy Ex-Servicemen's Association is another example of the great support the SLESA extends to affiliated associations and corporate bodies to encourage their activities.", Jayasinghe said.

"Poppy flowers, bouquets of Poppy flowers and tills can be purchased from the SLESA Headquarters in Colombo and anyone can make their contributions towards this worthy cause at public places, including, schools and super markets.

"Tri-Forces Commanders, Foreign Ambassadors, Government Officials, retired service personnel, Chairmen of 42 affiliated associations and family members of War Heroes will be the invitees ,"he further stated.

SLESA Secretary General Brig. K.A.Gnanaweera, Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Poppy Committee Chairman Maj. Gen. Sanath Karunaratne and Media and Publicity Committee Chairman J.P.A.Jayawardane were present at the press briefing.