President Peter Mutharika on Wednesday inaugurated this year’s Poppy Day at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe and bought a Poppy flower at K1 million.
In his speech, Mutharika said he was aware of the challenges war veterans and ex-soldiers are facing, and pledged to support them.
“I appeal to all Malawians to support this noble task by buying poppies and wearing them with pride,” said Mutharika.
Currently, there are no living soldiers in Malawi who fought in World War I from 1914 to 1918, but some who fought in World War II, between 1939 and 1945, are still alive.
Veteran Ex-soldiers League of Malawi (Velom) chairperson Major Fr. Martin Mthumba concurred with the President on the need to support the war heroes.
Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Deputy Commander Clement Namangale said every November reminds them of the people who sacrificed their lives for world peace.
This year’s Poppy Day will be commemorated on November 12 2017.
