November 11th 2019 marks 101 years since the end of World War One with a range of commemorations that remember the wars that have scarred our past and the bravery of service men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Harry Fry, the Aldridge Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator for the Royal British Legion passionately believes that poppies, commemorations and the act of remembrance matters. "It is a day for the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed themselves" he explained "to secure and protect our freedom". Harry and his wife Janet volunteer for the Aldridge Branch of the Royal British Legion where Harry is Poppy Appeal Co-Ordinator. Last year the Aldridge Branch, with the help of the Aldridge Rotary Club, showed their fund-raising skills by helping to improve on it`s previous total. "Last year`s Aldridge area Poppy Appeal" said Harry "final total reached £44,824.99 beating the previous year`s total of £35,435. It`s a fantastic achievement and the public in the Aldridge area are generous. Thank you to everyone in Aldridge who support the Poppy Appeal". The Royal British Legion is at the heart of a national network that supports the nation`s Armed Forces community. Founded in 1921 they are the Armed Forces` largest charity with 235,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners to provide life-long support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Every remembrance Sunday the charity lead the nation in commemorating and honouring those who have served and sacrificed. "Our red poppy is a national symbol of Remembrance and hope" said Harry "and wearing a poppy is a way of showing appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families, both past and present. Once again, thank you to the people of |Aldridge for your generosity".
