Durban North residents can purchase their poppies at various local shopping centres in and around the area on Saturday, 9 November in honour of Remembrance Day celebrated annually on 11 November. The day is celebrated globally in honour of military veterans who died in both World Wars.
In recognition of this day, non-profit organisation SA Legion, will set up tables at Kensington Square; Checkers – Virginia Circle; La Lucia Mall; Eastmans Spar Glenashley; and the Sunningdale Shopping Centre. Members of the public may collect a poppy between 8am to 2pm in return for a donation.
During the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, World War 1 came to an end. The SA Legion shared that following the end of WWI, red poppies grew, carpeting the graves of the fallen. They said this image became the symbol of remembrance of wars in general. They added that initially it was named Armistice Day, but then changed to Remembrance Day to acknowledge the deaths in both World Wars.
Vice-chairman of the South African Legion, Durban branch, Légionnaire Rick Andriés said that on this day in 1918, a treaty was signed to officially end the war. Additionally, he shared that since 1921, the aim of the SA Legion was to compensate, to some extent, those who were injured during the war and to also look after the families of those who were killed during the war.
The SA Legion obtains permission from the eThekwini Municipality to raise funds by public collection in and around Durban and environs on Poppy Day, the second Saturday in November. The Legion depends on volunteers to “sell” poppies to be worn as a visual reminder of those who have perished and suffered in war.
For more information, to purchase poppies or collect at a shopping centre in your area, call Brad at 078 544 5210 or Jeanette at 082 978 3460, or email admin@salegion.durban.
