The 2016 Poppy Appeal commences on Thursday, October 27 as a lead up to this year’s Remembrance Day Service.

The two-week Poppy Appeal features the purchasing and wearing of poppies or poppy pins. Poppies will be available for sale at the Territory’s schools, the BVI Red Cross and some uniformed organisations such as the Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and the Girls and Boys Brigades. 

Persons can also purchase poppies or poppy pins from some government offices including the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Civil Registry and Passport Office.  The proceeds will be forwarded to the Royal British Legion for distribution to veterans and their families.

The poppy appeal concludes on Friday, November 11. On Sunday, November 13, beginning at 3:00 p.m., paramilitary organisations and ex-servicemen and women will participate in a procession from the entrance of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College grounds to the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium where the Remembrance Day Service will follow.

His Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan, OBE; Premier of the Virgin Islands, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE and other public officials will participate in the activities.

Members of the public are invited to attend the Remembrance Day Service and are encouraged to purchase poppies or poppy pins and wear them leading up to Remembrance Day. 

The tradition was started by servicemen as a tribute to their departed comrades to ensure that future generations never forget the suffering caused by the 1914 to1919 World War. It is also a symbol of remembrance, compassion and caring for all victims of war.