WITH Remembrance Parades all over Wales being curtailed this year thanks to the onslaught of Covid-19, The Brecon and Radnor Express is joining the growing campaign calling on residents to take to their doorsteps on Sunday, November 8 to pay tribute to those who have served and lost their lives for the country.

As part of the campaign in your B&R this week we have printed a special Poppy poster, which we encourage people to display in their windows, or to hold, as they stand on their doorsteps to observe a two minute silence.

And we hope that in addition to doing this everyone will also show their support for Remembrance Sunday by buying a poppy if they are able, or by making a donation to the Royal British Legion.

This year more than ever, the Poppy Appeal needs our help as local lockdowns, and more people working from home, limits the opportunities for many people to buy a poppy.

The Mayor of Brecon, Councillor Chris Walsh, is one of the many who is fully supportive of the initiative for everyone to observe the two minute silence from their doorstop, garden or home to safely observe this mark of respect.

“Unfortunately this year Brecon Town Council has had to modify its plans to mark Remembrance, due to the restrictions in place, and with public safety very much in mind. We have worked with the military and the mlergy to put in place measures which allow respects to be paid in a safe and suitable way.

“There will be a service at the Cathedral on November 11, which it is not possible to open to all this year, but which will be live streamed on Brecon Cathedral’s facebook page.

“It is important that we continue to remember those who gave so much, and I shall be honoured to lay a wreath at the Cathedral on behalf of the Town of Brecon,” said Councillor Walsh.

The annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal was founded to help those in need following a national crisis and right now, it is are helping those who are isolated from family, facing homelessness, struggling to feed their children, and are in financial crisis.

“Without you, we cannot provide the life-changing support that our Armed Forces community needs and deserves. Your Poppy Appeal needs you,” said a Royal British Legion spokesman.

“I was very much looking forward to taking part in my first Remembrance Parade in Brecon this week but sadly thanks to Covid-19 that is not to be,” said Brecon and Radnor Express editor Liz Davies.

“However, I know how inportant Remembrance is to the town, and to my own family as my grandfather, like so many, served with the South Wales Borderers during WWII.

“With that in mind we thought it was important to back this campaign which will allow people to pay tribute and remember our war heroes, while staying safe themselves.

“I hope you will join the B&R staff on Sunday morning by taking to your doorsteps and observing the two minutes’ silence,” she said.

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE BRECON AND RADNOR EXPRESS THIS WEEK FOR YOUR POPPY POSTER AND IF YOU CAN PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION’S POPPY APPEAL