APM inaugurates Poppy Week
President Peter Mutharika yesterday inaugurated the Poppy Appeal Week in which well-wishers help the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) raise funds by buying the poppy flower.
The funds go towards care of World War I and II veterans who are being kept in MDF memorial homes.
To launch the week, Mutharika bought the first poppy flower at K1 million, and joked that “this is one expensive flower I have ever paid for”.
He encouraged Malawians to buy and wear the poppy flower in support of the welfare of the war veterans and former servicemen; and also to demonstrate appreciation for the role they played in selflessly fighting for peace.
Said Mutharika: “Many of us forget that it has taken the service and commitment of others for Malawi to have the peace we enjoy today. We should never forget where we are coming from. He who does not know where he is coming from cannot know where he is going.”
On his part, Veterans and Ex-servicemen League of Malawi chairperson Brigadier General Charles Kalumo said they need funds to care for the ex-service men.
He said: “There are about 400 of these veterans who need our support; hence, our appeal for support from you, Your Excellency and all well-wishers in the country.” After the launch, there will be commemorations of the two World Wars on November 10.
