People in Huddersfield have more reason than most to remember those who have sacrificed their lives in wars.
That was the message from the Mayor of Kirklees, Clr Paul Kane, who has appealed to local people and businesses to support the Poppy Appeal again this year.
Clr Kane has welcomed members of the Yorkshire Regiment to Huddersfield this year and sadly the Regiment lost five serving soldiers from Huddersfield in the Afghan conflict.
They were Graham Shaw, Jake Hartley, Anton Frampton, Daniel Wilford and Tom Wroe. A sixth Huddersfield soldier, Lisa Jade Head, was also killed in the conflict.
Clr Kane saiid: “The link between our local communities and the sacrifices those in our armed forces make for us has been brought into sharp focus by recent VE Day and VJ Day anniversaries, which were gracefully commemorated by the people of Kirklees with the assistance of the council.
“Present conflicts involving our local soldiers continue, and Kirklees has experienced more than most the sad losses of recent conflicts.
“So while conflicts can seem like a world away as they are reported on the news, or we celebrate another anniversary, the impact is being felt at home, and that impact does not stop when other people move on. Those families rely on support they get from the appeal fund.”
Welfare services linked to the Poppy Appeal have spent £1.3 million a week this year, with services ranging from helping bereaved families through an inquest to ensuring an elderly veteran can stay independent in their own home.
Clr Kane said: “The success of the appeal relies on the committed support of volunteers, so I want to support their `Poppy People’ campaign to attract new volunteers. I believe there is a common misconception that Royal British Legion members must be either former or current HM Forces personnel, but this is not the case. Anyone over the age of 16 can help.
“The demand for services continues to increase and the need for public donations to buy a poppy or offer time gets more urgent every year.
“Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday are not just about the names carved onto the war memorials, they are also about the great dignity showed by the veterans and serving members who proudly parade.
“It is our opportunity to say thank you, and wearing a poppy is a visible sign of our gratitude”.
