Poppy Appeal Launch and Photos

The Royal British Legion Shoulder to shoulder with all who Serve

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POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH & PHOTOS

Stand shoulder to shoulder

As Remembrance Day draws near, KCC chairman Cllr Paulina Stockell says there are still plenty of reasons to wear your poppy with pride. NINETY years ago car tax discs were introduced, the second female MP entered Parliament, and the British Legion held the first official Poppy Appeal. So much has changed in the past nine decades, but the admiration and respect for our troops, past and present, and the Royal British Legion is as strong as it's ever been.

Last Thursday, I hosted the launch of the Poppy Appeal in Kent at County Hall and marked the Legion's 90th anniversary. It was very well supported, with dignitaries from across the county coming along to show their backing. Ninety poppies were tied to the front of the building and the Sutton Valence Combined Cadet Force donned their uniforms to present the first poppies.

I was joined by four veterans who had seen active service in countries including the Falklands, Iraq and Northern Ireland. They were inspirational gentlemen, each with their own memories of serving Queen and country, each with their own story of how the British Legion had supported them. One of the veterans, Fred Turner, served for more than 25 years and received Legion support on two occasions. It helped him claim compensation for hearing damage back in 1992 and 17 years later, when times were tough, the Legion helped him buy a new cooker, provided a table so the family could eat together, installed a fire in the living room, and a laid a new stair carpet. CLICK HERE TO MEET ALL THE VETERANS FROM THIS YEAR'S LAUNCH

This year's appeal is about standing shoulder to shoulder with our brave Armed Forces, at a time when there's an ever increasing need for welfare support. Last year, the good people of Kent raised more than £1.3 million - a record amount. The Legion hopes to exceed that total this year, which is why I urge you to donate to the appeal and wear your poppy with pride.

In 2010, the Royal British Legion, here in Kent, completed 1,120 cases and expects that to rise to 1,300 this year. The economic climate has fuelled demand for assistance. Men and women who served in war-torn countries are coming to the Legion for help with homes they've lost or are about to lose. A sad statistic is that six per cent of all homeless people are our ex-service men and women. You may remember a recent incident where an ex-serviceman suffering from post traumatic stress disorder was found living in a tent with his wife. They had been separated from their children during a difficult time. The Royal British Legion stepped in with a deposit, advance rent and household goods. This helped the couple to put their family back together.

Veterans from World War Two through to present day conflicts are supported by the Legion. Across the country more than 16,000 of those who served in Afghanistan or Iraq have received direct financial support. The Legion spends £1.4 million a week providing welfare to serving and ex-service people, young and old, and their families.

The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month will be marked on Friday. Wherever you are, I hope you will take a moment to pause and remember those brave men and women who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. Let's standshoulder to shoulder for them. Cllr Paulina Stockell is chairman of Kent County Council