With Remembrance Sunday just days away, Bill Reynolds, who survived the Normandy landings, is urging people to proudly wear a poppy and to cut out and display a Royal British Legion poster printed on page 22 of today’s edition.
And as Covid-19 cases continue to rise, the 97-year-old is asking Islanders to take time to think of others and to follow government advice to wear a mask.
Last month the Legion warned that they were facing one of their toughest years for fundraising, as events have been cancelled and Covid restrictions have prevented them from sending tin-shaking volunteers out onto the streets.
‘The support shown by Islanders for the appeal is a show of gratitude for what we achieved during the Second World War,’ he said. ‘If we had not achieved what we set out to do, the Germans would still be here.
‘The cash is used for the support of veterans, and the Royal British Legion does a wonderful job,’ he added. ‘And everybody should put this poster up to support the Legion, because they need the support so that they can help the ex-servicemen.’
The Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces and their families and holds the Poppy Appeal every November.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19, this year’s campaign has got off to a strong start, with Islanders donating over £40,000 in the opening week. However, the Legion is urging people to keep on giving so that it can pass the £200,000 mark.
On 30 March – the day Jersey went into lockdown – Mr Reynold’s encouraged people to protect themselves and others from the virus by isolating as much as possible, a message that carried significant weight given his experience of rationing and bombing raids before joining his brothers in the armed forces.
And with the wearing of masks ‘strongly advised’ in Jersey, Mr Reynolds believes everyone should be playing their part to keep the community safe.
‘In my opinion it should be compulsory,’ he said.
‘I wear a mask all the time, and I am appalled when I go to a supermarket and most of the people are not wearing a mask or the staff are not wearing them.’
A former Marine is also encouraging Islanders to support the Poppy Appeal. Kevin Mars (42) said: ‘Because many soldiers sign up and give their all for their country, being able to give just a little bit back to help them adjust to civilian life, particularly during difficult times, is amazing. People should definitely continue to donate to the appeal.’
