By Mel Cookem, Freelance Writer 
The Jamaica Military Band in performance at St. Luke's Church in Cross Roads to mark Sunday November 14 as Remembrance Day of Poppy Appeal Month. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
WESTERN BUREAU:
WHEN THE Jamaica Military Band played at St. Luke's Church in Cross Roads, Kingston, on Sunday, November 14, it was not a regular concert.
The month is special, as November is officially Poppy Appeal Month. The day, Remembrance Day, for those who died in World Wars I and II, was appropriate. The cause, to raise funds for the Jamaica Legion, which is Jamaica's welfare association for ex-servicemen, was pressing.
And the theme of the concert, 'A Time to Remember', summed up the poignancy of the moment.
The Military Band was joined by singers Keisha Wright and Charmaine Limonius, as well as members of The Company Dance Theatre, in raising funds and honouring the members of the legion.
The cause for those who lived to the legion's motto, 'service over self', is even more pressing this year, as Hurricane Ivan damaged Curphey Home in Newport, Manchester, where ex-servicemen in their 70s and 80s are housed.
APPEAL PROCESS AFFECTED
The hurricane also affected the Poppy Appeal process, as normally it would have been launched in a 'Concert in The Garden' at the legion's offices, Curphey Place in Swallowfield, Kingston. Instead, the effort was launched at Kings House in early October.
Lieutenant Colonel Khan, chairman of the Poppy Appeal, told The Gleaner that Sunday's concert was the first for the appeal in Kingston this year. Mandeville, Manchester, was given a taste of the Jamaica Military Band's music in February, while Ocho Rios, St. Ann, had its turn in April.
"The Ocho Rios concert may have had the best turnout," Lt. Col. Khan said. "The turnout has been good. We could have accommodated more in the church, but there were a lot of competing events."
It is hoped that the concert will be an annual event, Lt. Col. Khan said. "Remembrance Day is a good day to reflect".
The proceeds go towards the Poppy Appeal fund.
"Most of the indigent ex-servicemen from World War II rely on the legion," he said. He pointed out that in addition to the 20 at Curphey Home, there are a number of others across the island who are receiving assistance from the legion. As the legion aims to ensure that not only ex-servicemen and
ex-servicewomen, but also their dependants, are not in want, there are also widows
of ex-servicemen who are
receiving support.
He noted that the composition of the Curphey Place residents is changing slowly, with one ex-serviceman from the Jamaica Defence Force currently there.
CONTRIBUTIONS
Lt. Col. Khan pointed out that the legion does not sell poppies, so there is no set price. "We solicit contributions. People give what they have. We ask people to contribute. It is not so much buying a poppy, as supporting the poppy appeal. It is a symbol of remembrance, so just by wearing it you remember those who served. And you can reflect on what you can do to contribute to peace in Jamaica," he said.
The Poppy Appeal has been around for much longer than the Concert in the Garden - and while the concert is one afternoon, the appeal lasts much longer. "We have a target. Normally we will wrap up the appeal in April, but last year we went on to June," Lt. Col. Khan said.
"Even if poppies are not worn after November, the tins are still there so you can contribute,"
he said.
In addition, donations are accepted by the Jamaica Legion at Curphey Place, with a pick-up service being available.
