London was buzzing yesterday as the Poppy Appeal gathers momentum in the approach to Remembrance Sunday. We were struck by how vibrant the campaign is – stations are manned by everyone from 2nd world war veterans and serving armed forces personnel to many youngsters helping out. It feels as though the whole country engages, which is not how we remember this time of year in our own youth – it was all a bit solemn and seemed to be about a time long past, even though there would have been veterans from more recent conflicts needing assistance.
Of course, it is not just about the Sunday service to remember, important as it is, it’s about showing our respect to the dead by supporting the living – whether it is families or veterans affected by events during and post serving their country.
The range of activities and help that the Royal British Legion offers is incredibly diverse and far beyond helping veterans cope with reduced physical capability. We particularly admire the way in which The Legion showcases the challenges that many of our veterans take on and by doing so inspire the rest of us to do a bit more.
Kate and William, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge; boosted publicity yesterday by turning up at tube stations and dashing round the capital in a big red bus but the most moving image of the day was Harry and his Grandfather at an outdoor service – both veterans of conflicts and clearly remembering colleagues as they placed their crosses.
More Than Mobility has have made a modest donation today to the Poppy Appeal and some of the team will be attending events on Sunday – let’s hope the weather forecast is wrong!