At this time, we would usually be lined up in a parade or standing outside of a church or cenotaph, with our highly polished shoes, wearing our poppy and standing proud to take part in the act of Remembrance. However, 2020 has become no ordinary year, so we are making our respects in our own individual ways.
The team of Wales and West Region is working hard – some together, some as individuals- all with the same focus: to raise money and awareness for The Royal British Legion #poppyappeal.
Flight Lieutenant Karl Nicholson, Wales and West Radio & Cyber Officer and Sergeant Luke Ford, the Training Officer for 187 City of Worcester Air Training Corps (West Mercian Wing) are on course to complete 111 miles with a 11kg dead weight in eleven days and aim to finish at 11:00am on the 11th November, the same time when people across the UK will be taking part in the two minutes’ silence.
Their link for donations is: https://bit.ly/2HLrtoI
Several Regional Staff Officers, including Wing Commander Lou Hall (First Aid Officer), Warrant Officer Donna Hall (Region Warrant Officer), Squadron Leader Russ Dowling (Adventure Training Officer) and Squadron Leader Lisa Railton (Shooting Officer) are taking part in the #mypoppyrun and have so far raised £880.
They would like to raise more. One of the links to donate is here:
https://bit.ly/3lceXxd or you can donate to their individual poppyrun pages.
Let’s reflect on why we wear the poppy and take part in Remembrance Day. The poppy is worn as a symbol of memory and hope, for those who gave their lives in battle. The reason a poppy is worn is because, despite years of fighting and destruction of the landscape in western Europe during World War One, as the countryside was used as a battlefield, poppies continued to grow.
As the The Royal British Legion says “Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. Poppies are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community. “
“Whether you are running, walking, standing on your doorstep, thank you for being part of Royal Air Force Air Cadets and making today a special day of remembrance,” concludes Wales and West Regional Commandant, Group Captain Roger Simon.