Federal Veterans’ Affairs Minister Stuart Robert encouraged people to buy and wear a red poppy in support of returned soldiers who served their country.
“Buying a poppy contributes significantly to the fundraising work of the RSL. The money raised helps provide financial and medical assistance, advocacy and support services to current and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families,” Mr Robert said.
“Wearing a red poppy acknowledges the sacrifice of those who lost their lives or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts, including the more than 102,000 Australians who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
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READ NOWKalamunda and districts RSL president Warren Irvine said the red poppies had been a symbol of Remembrance Day, as the red poppies grew in Flanders and Villers Bretonneux at the Western Front.
“The forerunner to the RSL first started selling red poppies as a fundraiser on Armistice Day in 1921.
“The poppy sellers you see in your local community are volunteers, many of them veterans or current serving members, who give up their time each year for this great cause and strongly contribute to the success of the appeal,” Mr Irvine said.
Students from the local schools assisted the RSL by laying wreaths at the memorial on Kostera Oval.
Kalamunda Senior High School, Lesmurdie Senior High School and St Brigid’s students represented their schools and knelt at the memorial in memory of fallen soldiers from the past wars.
Each year donations for poppies are sent to Legacy to support the families of soldiers lost in wars that involved Australia.