LARGE CROWDS LAUNCH THE POPPY APPEAL IN TORREVIEJA

Close to 300 people turned up on the Torrevieja seafront to celebrate the launch of the annual Poppy Appeal in eastern Spain.

The area around the Paseo Juan Aparicio in the Port Area (aka Dique de Levante Breakwater) was packed with residents, holiday makers and veterans of all nationalities.

It was particularly relevant that this year’s launch was carried out in Torrevieja where The Branch is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

The event got underway with a short parade which was led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, followed by Standards of the Royal British Legion and other Service Associations. Also marching were two Chelsea Pensioners who had flown out especially for the occasion as well as members of the RBL, RNA, RAAFA and RMA.

A contingent of Dutch Veterans, Spanish Foreign Legion and Spanish paratroopers also took part, making this a truly international event.

Following the march, an Act of Remembrance, the Last Post, Silence and Reveille, the crowd heard from the dignitaries, District Chairman, Nigel Hails, Mr Lloyd Millen, British Vice Consul in Alicante, Eduardo Dolon, the Mayor of Torrevieja and Robin Hargrave, the District Poppy Appeal Coordinator who gave a brief explanation of the the appeal.

There then followed a presentation by Nigel Hails to Eduardo Dolon of a certificate in recognition of the help and support shown to the Legion and British citizens by the Torrevieja Ayuntamiento. Without this vital support the Launch in the city could not have taken place.

Following the formal launch over a hundred participants then retired to the Club Nautico for a relaxed lunch.

Please check the Legion website for details of Remembrance Services and Branches in the area and the locations of where poppies are available.

www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/spain-north

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/45250/

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