The Cayman Islands Veterans Association’s (CIVA) 2009 poppy appeal has officially begun. Last Thursday (15 October) accompanied by Miss Teen Cayman Jamesette Anglin, veterans called on His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Stuart Jack, CVO.
CIVA President Captain Dale Banks said the visit was aimed at kick-starting the poppy campaign which will lead up to Remembrance Day, to be observed on 8 November.
Captain Banks explained that proceeds from the poppy sale go towards supporting war veterans.
Miss Teen Cayman was on hand to pin the first poppy on the Governor who then contributed to the cause.
“It is really important that we remember the contributions that the veterans made to our liberty and so I encourage everyone to wear a poppy,” the Governor said.
Veteran Graham Walker explained that the poppy is an enduring international symbol that honours those who have died in battle.
Mr. Walker said the association of the red poppy with battlefield deaths as a natural symbol of remembrance dates back to Flanders (France) where poppies were the first plants to grow in the soil of soldiers’ graves.
This lasting connection between fallen soldiers and poppies was immortalized in the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ penned by Canadian surgeon Lt. Colonel John McCrae during World War I as he mourned a fallen colleague.
