REMEMBRANCE Day this year falls, appropriately, on Sunday, November 11, with services in Redditch at St Stephen's and St Matthias and St George in Astwood Bank.
May I urge everyone to support however they can this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
This year is the 80th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, during which time the Poppy Appeal has helped to fund the legion's work to deliver a caring service for the benefit of the ex-service community in need continuously since 1921.
More people are approaching the legion for help then ever before and the need for public support is as great as ever.
The Poppy Appeal supports those who have defended our country or helped to keep the peace with the United Nations in other parts of the world.
Today, British servicemen and women are playing a vital role as part of the UN Peace-Keeping Force in places around the world.
When they leave the forces, the Poppy Appeal will be there for them and their dependants, as it is for the veterans of the two world wars, the Gulf, the Falklands and many other conflicts.
The appeal plays a key part in the legion's fund-raising efforts and is essential for its work.
As a charity, it relies entirely on public support and all money raised goes directly to support the legion's charitable work.
Please give what you can when you see the poppy sellers to help them to help people who have given so much to preserve our security and freedom.
Councillor Dot Dudley
Mayor of Redditch
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