Bermuda’s annual Poppy Appeal has launched with a presentation to Rena Lalgie, the Governor, of the first remembrance poppy ahead of the November 11 commemoration.

The annual fundraiser held in the lead-up to Remembrance Day supports the island’s war veterans and widows, although it has been expanded to include serving and former soldiers in need.

Carol Everson, of the Bermuda Legion, said: “We now have thousands of people who we can help.

“We provide Christmas groceries for our qualified community and we also do all we can to help them when they are in distress.”

Judithann Furbert Hunt said her father and her grandfather were veterans, and praised the work done by the Bermuda Legion to support her family.

“Before my father passed, he said to make sure to get in touch with Carol and she will take care of my mother, who was sick,” she said.

“Everything worked out beautifully and I am so thankful for this. I just wish I could be here this year to march on November 11 like I usually do.”

Barbara Frith, whose late husband served in Cyprus and the Suez Canal, added: “Any time there’s a November 11 parade we always go there and watch the veterans march.

“It’s very moving and it’s wonderful to support everyone.”

Poppies, a symbol for military personnel who died in war, will also be available at the Russell Eve Building on Church Street until after Remembrance Day.

Several churches will pay tribute to veterans in King’s Square, St George, on November 10, and the annual Remembrance Day parade will take place along Front Street on November 11.

• Call Carol Everson on 732-0100 or e-mail nosoldierleftbehind65@gmail.com to volunteer or learn more about the Poppy Appeal