Wear your poppyplea from Mayor

In the five months since I became Mayor I have attended many events to raise funds for serving men and women and the continued support of veterans.

My own appeal, in support of Combat Stress, a charity that cares for veterans who suffer from a wide range of mental problems caused by their service on our behalf, has been well received. I have been impressed at the level of support that exists for servicemen and women, both past and present.

Now I am appealing for your generosity as the British Legion launches its annual Poppy Appeal. Since 1921 the Legion has been the leading organisation offering help and support, not only to those who have served in the past, but also men and women who are currently serving and, most importantly, their families.

The demand for their services continues to increase and the need for your support gets more urgent every year.

Remembrance Sunday, and the events that precede it, are not just about the names of the brave carved into the War Memorials in our towns and villages. Nor are they just about the great dignity showed by the many veterans who proudly parade. They give us all a brief moment to say thank you to them all and to assure current and future servicemen and women that they have our support and thanks. We can all do that by wearing a Poppy, a visible sign of our pride and gratitude.

I believe we owe our service personnel a great debt. They serve us and in return we should support them.

Please be as generous as you can in support of this year’s Poppy Appeal.

COUN ANDREW PALFREEMAN

Mayor of Kirklees