The annual fundraising effort to support Bermuda’s war veterans got under way yesterday when Rena Lalgie, the Governor, made a donation in return for the first Remembrance Day poppy of this year’s campaign.

Ms Lalgie was presented with the poppy by 97-year-old Second World War veteran Isobel Flood at Government House.

Funds raised by the Bermuda Legion are needed to assist 30 veterans of the Second World War, along with more than 70 widows of veterans.

Ms Lalgie, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, said: “I think it’s always really important that we pay tribute to those who contributed to our safety and security throughout the world and certainly to have the opportunity to support the work that the Bermuda Legion is doing, not only for the veterans but their widows as well.

“I think it’s the very least that we can do and I’m looking forward to spending time with them over the next few weeks.“

Today’s presentation was also attended by Rachel Jolliffe, whose late husband, Don, served during the Suez Crisis in 1956.

Ms Jolliffe said: “This means a great deal because I feel for all those that we’ve lost during the many wars that we’ve had.

“Don was really proud of his service. I think it’s an honour to his memory and what was important for him, but it’s also to show that veterans aren’t forgotten.

“I’m very grateful that the Bermuda Legion is here and grateful for all that it does.“

Carol Everson, the welfare caseworker and secretary of the charity, said that although the number of living veterans is dwindling, living expenses are increasing.

Ms Everson said: “Bermuda’s remaining veterans and widows were generally in better health years ago, but now the majority are in their 90s and their medical and other needs are extensive.

“In fact, worldwide the veterans of the Second World War now cost more in terms of healthcare and support than years ago, although their numbers have diminished. So any support is not just welcome but vital.

“Unfortunately, life for the elderly in Bermuda is not easy. It is one of the most expensive and challenging places to live in the world. There is a disconnect between the needs of the elderly and the services that can be provided for them.”

Ms Everson pointed out that the legion also supported former Royal Bermuda Regiment personnel, even if they had not served in wartime.

She said: “Anyone with a military connection can call on us for advice and advocacy. We are part of a world community that includes the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Service League and the Royal Canadian Legion.

“It’s vital that we remember Bermuda’s wonderful contribution to both world wars and to the defence of the island. We had Bermudian soldiers serving full-time for six years in defence of the island and that was very important because Bermuda was the gateway to the US.

“At the time, military aircraft and submarines could not get right across the Atlantic without refuelling and Bermuda would be an ideal refuelling point.

“We also had a home guard unit — volunteers who served by keeping guard over the beaches.

“The Bermuda soldiers who were embodied in the defence of the island were ready to go into battle at any time.

“Remember that during the Second World War the entire island was on rationing, so bringing food, equipment and machinery to the island was very important. Typically people would be embodied in defence but if they had a skill that meant the island could be rebuilt after an air-raid attack. Anyone who could work as a builder, mason or could work in construction was embodied in this way.

“Bermuda also needed military police, medical help from doctors and nurses.”

The Government provides some services to veterans, including free prescriptions and hospital treatment, a $7,000 monthly grant for nursing home care, and a $5,000 funeral grant. Membership is free.

Ms Everson added: “The Bermuda Legion can help with welfare inquiries, urgent needs, health and safety concerns, benefits advice and home visits.

“We can up-front the costs of medical airlifting, and we lease a grave in St George’s churchyard for our veterans and former soldiers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.”

The legion will open a temporary shop in the Russell Eve building on Church Street, which will provide poppies, wreaths and other items, during November. A tag day will be held on November 9.

A Remembrance Day service will be held at the Cenotaph on Front Street on November 11. Veterans and widows are invited to attend a lunch at the Mariners’ Club after the ceremony.

Ms Everson said: “Please support what we do for the island’s most vulnerable and most worthy elderly members of Bermuda’s greatest generation.

“Please wear a poppy as other countries do on November 11 and please remember those who may not have a support structure and are living alone and in need of help.”

To find out more about the Bermuda Legion, or to volunteer for this year’s fundraising campaign, call 732-0100 or 236-8667. The organisation can also be contacted by e-mail at bermudalegion@gmail.com