With many traditional Remembrance Day services cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s office has launched its Post a Poppy campaign.
The pandemic means having to commemorate Remembrance Day on Sunday, November 8 in new and creative ways, with the Post A Poppy campaign encouraging people to share photos of themselves with their poppy or of their poppy-themed activities.
Leicester Lord Mayor, Councillor Annette Byrne, said: “As a result of Covid-19 restrictions, it is not surprising that we will be unable to hold our usual Remembrance Day commemorations.
“We are extremely disappointed to be unable to provide the opportunity for the citizens of Leicester and Leicestershire to join us and show their respects for the men and women who have lost their lives in conflict, while serving their country.
“However, we have had to adapt and to encourage other ways for people to get involved instead.
“For example, that could involve taking part in online commemorations, or simply reflecting on Remembrance Day with smaller activities at home.
“We are also encouraging people to get involved in our Post a Poppy campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves with their poppy, or even make a poppy to wear, bake a poppy cake or make a poppy display in your garden.
“The act of Remembrance is vital to keeping alive the memories of those who have died in wars over the years and, although this year’s plans have to be different, they are by no means less meaningful or poignant.”
Photos and other creative Remembrance Day ideas for the Post a Poppy campaign can be sent by email to the Lord Mayor’s office at [email protected].
The Royal British Legion, which is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, has also shared ideas for alternative ways for people to mark Remembrance Day in 2020, including creating a Remembrance space in the garden or using social media or online meetings for a safe Remembrance service or activity.
This year’s Poppy Appeal is online, but families can also download and colour a Remembrance Poppy to display as a show of support. Visit http://bit.ly/PoppyAppeal2020 for more information.
Leicester Tigers have longstanding links with the Armed Forces and the club's Foundation has plans for a Heritage Monument at Welford Road to commemorate members of the Leicestershire Regiment who played for the club and act as a memorial to the fallen. It will also recognise those whose lives have been affected by injury in rugby or conflict, and how Tigers are working to offer inspiration and support to future generations and different cultures.
Click here to find out more and how your support can help the Heritage project.
