Remembrance Day has been a part of our heritage for over 90 years. Show you remember all our veterans and current serving Australian Defence Force personnel deployed operationally around the world by buying a poppy this Remembrance Day.

HISTORY OF REMEMBRANCE DAY

At 11am on November 11, 1918, nations around the world celebrated the return of peace as an armistice brought an end to World War I. More than 60,000 Australians died, and an additional 156,000 Australians were wounded or taken prisoner-of-war. The anniversary of the end of World War I was afforded ‘Armistice Day’ until 1939. Following World War II, the British and Australian Governments changed the name to ‘Remembrance Day’, to honour all who have died in war.

During World War I, towns and farms were destroyed, forests were burned, and the ground was cratered and muddy from the bombings and rain. Despite the widespread environmental damage, one thing survived. In Spring, thousands of red poppies started growing everywhere.

When Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae from the Canadian Army saw the poppies in May of 1915, he penned In Flanders Fields. To this day, In Flanders Fields remains one of the most memorable war poems ever written. Reading the poem during a YMCA War Secretaries conference, Moina Michael was particularly moved by the last verse. At that moment she pledged to ‘keep the faith’ and began a personal campaign to get the poppy adopted as a national symbol of remembrance.

HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS

Proceeds from the 2009 RSL Poppy Appeal will be spent on the refurbishment of Angus House in Brisbane, which is designed as an emergency accommodation facility for current and ex-service personnel in distress. It also provides short term accommodation for those who require specialist medical treatment and counselling.

Funds will also be contributed towards the RSL’s mission of assisting current and ex-servicemen and women through their pension and advocacy services and their regional locations.

Proceeds raised from the 2008 RSL Poppy Appeal were spent on the maintenance of Zac’s Place in Townsville, another emergency accommodation facility, and pension and advocacy services.

For more information please visit www.rslpoppy.com