This year Benidorm hosted the annual Launch of the Poppy Appeal in eastern Spain. The area around the Rincon de Loix thronged with residents and holiday makers of all nationalities.
The parade consisted of Standards from many Legion Branches, together with other military organisation, two Chelsea Pensioners – here in Spain for this occasion – a contingent of Dutch Veterans and Spanish paratroopers, all led by the colourful Torrevieja Pipes and Drums.
Also marching were Legion members and friends making this a truly international event.
A stage had been erected in the Rincon with chairs for the hundreds who heard from Mr Paul Rodwell, British Consul in Alicante and District President, Mr Chris Wyatt, District Chairman, Mr Robin Hargrave, District Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator, Snr Agustin Navarro, Mayor of Benidorm and his Deputy Gema Amor.
The playing of The Last Post and Reveille, by Bugler Ian Royle resonated around the Rincon – an emotional part of the proceedings when everyone remembered all those who had died or had been injured whilst serving their country.
Paul Rodwell said “At a time when the British Consulate in Alicante focuses increasingly on the most vulnerable, it is of paramount importance that key charities are able to do likewise. Welfare is at the heart of The Royal British Legion and I am pleased as Consul and President of District North, that it continues to help brave men and women from our armed forces and their dependants.
The constant growth in the Poppy Appeal which we are launching here today is testimony to the hard work of all the volunteers who collect the funds and the extraordinary generosity of those that live in and visit the Costa Blanca. Thank you all.”
Chris Wyatt gave the background to the setting up of The Legion in 1921, the poppy being chosen as the emblem of the Charity because it was the one flower that had bloomed so prolifically among the battlefields.
Chris said “The Legion spends over £1.7 million pounds a week on those who we look after, which is why I ask you to dig deep to fill our boxes with money Wear your Poppy with Pride and by doing so, make a difference to someone’s life.
Robin Hargrave talked of the young veterans he had met recently from the Legion funded Battle Back Centre. How they were involved in a vast variety of activities helping them to adjust to life following their dreadful injuries.
Robin said “I spoke to one sports-mad young serviceman with two artificial legs, who had imagined that he would never have the confidence to be able to take part in competitive sport again. He now realises how wrong he was. He has done rock-climbing, kayaking, and basketball, and he is still very competitive.
Here in Spain we support our beneficiaries in a vast number of ways, provision of stair lifts, mobility aids, hearing aids and then we give immediate needs grants to cover food and payment of bills like electricity – these a just a few of the ways we can help and give support.”
The Mayor of Benidorm Snr Agustin Navarro welcomed everyone. “This is a town that maintains the best ties of friendship with the people from the UK.
My congratulations and that of all our town for this day of remembrance and my request that your generosity is important to those who, in defence of the most important values of our society, stained many fields with blood and that sprouted so many poppies.”
There then followed a presentation by Chris Wyatt to Snr Navarro of a plaque in recognition of the help and support shown to the Legion and British citizens by the Benidorm Ayuntamiento. Without this vital support the Launch in Benidorm could not have taken place.
Please check the Legion website for details of Remembrance Services and Branches in the area where poppies are available.
www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north
By Peggy Wyatt,
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/41071/
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