AS we approach Remembrance Day on November 11, maybe it is time to reflect on why we have the Poppy Appeal every year. This is not in order to celebrate various wars through the decades, but rather to remember those who have given their lives or have been injured in the service of their country. It is not the armed forces that decide to go to war, they just serve their country to the best of their ability. Since the end of the Second World War there has only been one year when a member of the armed forces has not died in the service of this country. As we move on from the two world wars our thoughts turn to other conflicts, such as Aden, Suez, Borneo, the Falklands, Bosnia, Northern Ireland, the Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan, just to mention a few. It is not just those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice but also the many thousands who have been wounded, both physically and mentally, that we should think of at this time. In our thoughts as well should be the fathers, mothers, wives and children who have lost a loved one. As long as our forces are deployed in troublespots around the world, the welfare work of the Royal British Legion will be needed. At this moment in time the call for assistance has never been greater. Please give generously and wear your poppy with pride. Remember the dead, don't forget the living.

Trevor Newbury Chairman, Liskeard Branch, Royal British Legion