John Carmel Navarro, Senglea
We shall ‘remember’ them
Remembrance Sunday is fast approaching and the Royal British Legion Malta branch Poppy Appeal is gaining momentum. The Poppy Appeal started as a result of a poem, In Flanders Fields, by John McCrae (1915).
The first Poppy Day was held in Britain on November 11, 1921. Soon after that date the appeal reached Malta and poppies were given in return of a donation to remember people who had given their lives for peace and freedom. During the British rule, and to this day, Maltese citizens have served in the British forces and given their lives for the common purpose. Those who survived are now cared for through the Royal British Legion Malta branch Poppy Appeal. There are still many war victims and their dependants who are given help.
Last year’s appeal collected €21,000 in Malta. A total of €60,000 was given in assistance to those in need, the balance being supplied from other Services Benevolent Funds in the UK.
The older generation like me surely remember the time when everybody wore a poppy; these were sold from every street corner, schools and place of work. Times have changed but the need is still the same. This year, I ask everybody in Malta to participate and make a donation no matter how small so then they can wear a poppy with pride, to remind us of the gallant men and women who fought, suffered and died for our beautiful island.
Further information can be obtained directly from the Royal British Legion Malta branch by calling on 2123 6282, e-mail rblmalta@maltanet.net or at 111, Melita Street, Valletta.
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Gerry Cowie
Nov 5th 2011, 10:43
Wenzu, very few people share your opinion. How dare you accuse me of patronizing anybody! If you want to remove the GC from your flag then you will have to go round with a pot of paint and blot it out if it offends you so much!
Trevor Steward
Nov 4th 2011, 21:29
Thanks to the outstanding bravery of the Maltese people and those servicemen of many nationalities who were stationed in Malta the 'cross roads' of the Mediterranean was kept from Hitlers grasp in the dark days of the 2nd.world war. I will, in spirit, be at the Rememberance Day service at Florianna and at 11.00hrs. your time I will say a prayer for the great sacrifices made by the people of Malta. I hope the Poppy Day will be great success.
Gerry Cowie
Nov 4th 2011, 19:57
May they rest in peace, all those who fought and died and gave us back our freedom. The George Cross is so well deserved by all those in Malta and it is a joy to see it on the national flag as a great reminder of the sacrifice made by the Maltese people.
Wenzu Vella
Nov 5th 2011, 07:33
Hi Gerry, this might come a bit late for you; I happen to be one of the recipients of the George Cross and yes lost 10 vey close relatives and as a child lived in one of the heaviest blitz areas of WWII in the world called Bormla. However this might come as a surprise to you and ALL those who happen to think like you the George Cross was NEVER meant to be on our beloved flag because its rightful place is in a museum so please STOP patronising us.
Mr Tony Gatt
Nov 5th 2011, 19:55
@ Wenzu Vella,
Whatever your feelings about the G.C., I also was in Malta all through the war. The Remembrance Day celbrations (if one can call them that ) always remind me of my parents and sister whom I lost in April 1942.
I survived the bombing by a fluke.
Perhaps when we are all dead someone will have a referendum to remove it from the flag, but I don't think that will be anytime soon.
A bORG
Nov 4th 2011, 18:00
Poppy appeal should be highlighted in schools. Regrettably, many schools on this island do not include this event in their calendar. It's rather shameful that we forget the past instead of learning from it!
Rod Enderby
Nov 4th 2011, 17:45
Every year the commentator on BBC television at the Rememberance service makes a point of reminding people (when the Maltese Commissioner takes his wreath to lay) that Malta was bombed worsee than London during W W 2.
The islands and its peoples will always be special to us in the UK.
Edwin Jeffery
Nov 4th 2011, 13:17
There are people in UK who have a lot to thank the maltese people for what they did in the war and this should never be forgotten
I have spent a number of holidays on your island and have met several veterans during this time. I would like to thank them all
Edwin Jeffery
Bicester UK