Wagga will not be awash with poppies this Remembrance Day.
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It follows the RSL state-body’s move to suspend all fundraising activities across the state; a move that Wagga residents have labelled “an embarrassment”, “disappointing” and “frustrating”.
The “extreme” decision to call off this year’s Poppy Day campaign will leave the city’s RSL sub branch out of pocket, according to the city’s war veterans.
Former RSL sub branch president Kevin Kerr said the very successful drive had raised more than $28,000 in previous years, supporting former military personnel and their families across the region.
Related: Wagga’s support of Poppy Day praised
“People of Wagga have been very generous,” Mr Kerr said. “It’s been a big help to us and we’re going to miss it this year.”
The voluntary suspension across NSW comes after new RSL leadership this year discovered some of its processes were illegal under the state's charity laws.
Related: NSW RSL suspends all fundraising
This included the Poppy Day campaign.
To compensate, the sub branch have been provided less than 300 poppies to give away on Remembrance Day, but members say there will not be enough for everyone.
“We’re not sure when we’ll be able to start fundraising again,” Mr Kerr said. “We’re hoping we’ll be back up and running before ANZAC Day.”
As city residents on November 11 stop to remember fallen service men and women, the Poppy Day campaign has – since 1923 – ensured their legacy will never be forgotten.
Author and military historian Anne Flood said it seemed very extreme to cancel something that had always been done and to trivialise something so important; a physical remembrance and a symbol of sacrifice.
“I don’t really see the reason to stop it,” Dr Flood said. “(War veterans) have left us a heritage of love and strength and courage and stand by mate. This is part of that heritage.”
She said the campaign was more than a fundraiser; it was personal and real.
“When I buy a poppy, I remember the 20-to-30 people in my family that have fought for our freedom,” Dr Flood said. “I’m sure (the symbolism) will never go, but to politicise it is extreme.”
She said the RSL needed an income to continue its memorial and support services.
“It needs to be accountable,” she said. “But this is extreme.”
Sub Branch president Harry Edmonds said it was frustrating to be hamstrung in such a way.
“We were stung by it, I guess,” Mr Edmonds said. “But we do what we’re told.”
This year’s memorial service will be held at the cenotaph at the Victory Memorial Gardens from 10.40am, before the Last Post at 11am.