During this year’s Poppy Week, the Veteran and Ex-service League of Malawi (Velom), which looks into the welfare of ex-service men, targets to raise K200 million.
Velom chairperson General Henry Odillo (retired), speaking during the inauguration of the week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe yesterday, said the funds will be used to improve the welfare of the war veterans and widows of their departed colleagues in various areas, including renovating about 51 houses.
President’s lapel
“The war veterans depend on us for their well-being, so I am encouraging all well-meaning Malawians to make their generous contributions this week,” he said.
During the launch, President Lazarus Chakwera contributed K2 million towards the cause.
The President said the country owes its freedom today to the bravery and selflessness of the war veterans.
“The poppy [pin] symbolises the resilience and blood with which the veterans purchased the freedom we are enjoying today. Let us contribute towards the welfare of these selfless individuals,” said Chakwera.
Odillo also commended the Malawi Government and the Malawi Defence Force for some developments during the year.
He said the veterans had, among others, had their pension raised from K50 000 to K100 000, which has improved the veterans’ daily living.
The Poppy Week raises resources for veterans and their beneficiaries ahead of the Remembrance Sunday, commemorated in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries on the second Sunday of November.
Traditionally, a two-minute silence is observed at 11am on Remembrance Sunday.
