22/10/2009

Afghanistan Highlighted In Poppy Appeal

As another solider killed in Afghanistan was today laid to rest, Dame Vera Lynn and soprano Hayley Westenra have launched the Royal British Legion's 2009 Poppy Appeal.

The pair held hands as they sang wartime classic We'll Meet Again to a crowd gathered at Horse Guards Parade in central London.

The high profile launch saw, for the first time, a poster campaign featuring the image of a coffin being repatriated from the war-torn Afghanistan.

The Poppy Appeal events today coincide with the funeral of Guardsman Jamie Janes, 20, of 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards.

He was killed on a foot patrol near Nad-e-Ali district centre in Helmand. Three of his colleagues were also wounded in the blast on 5 October.

Guardsman Janes, who came from Brighton and was described by his commanding officer as a "soldier to his heart", was buried in Hove.

The 2009 Poppy appeal focuses on supporting the families of those killed and the troops wounded in Afghanistan.

This morning, the two singers were accompanied by the Regimental Band of the Irish Guards and flanked by four troopers from the Queen's Life Guards in full state ceremonial regalia.

Dame Vera, 92, said this year's appeal, which aims to raise £31m, has a powerful message.

"We always think of the Poppy Appeal with our veterans but of course we've got so many young men who are fighting and being wounded and some, unfortunately, will not be returning home.

"So it's a very strong appeal that we have this year, not just for the veterans but for our young boys."

See: : Sussex Soldier Buried

(BMcC/GK)

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