President Joyce Banda launches the 2013 Poppy Week, donates 1.5Million Kwacha to Ex-Service League

Press Release

State House

28th October 2013



President Joyce Banda has launched the 2013 Poppy week with a call to the nation to support the Commonwealth Ex-servicemen Of Malawi CELOM.


Speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre, President Banda who is the patron of the group said she is aware that the two World Wars caused great devastation and brought untold suffering to humanity.


“As a nation we should be proud that our courageous men and women offered their services to help bring an end to these devastating wars” said the Malawi Leader.


Banda noted that while the nation honor those that lost their lives, it is also important to pay homage to those that are still living by contributing generously through the Common Ex-Service League of Malawi (CELOM).


President Banda made a personal contribution of 1.5million Kwacha to CELOM and 290 bags of Maize. (Twenty nine families of ex-servicemen will each receive ten bags of Maize).


The President assured the War Veterans that she will make sure that they live a decent life.


In his remarks, Chairman of the Commonwealth Ex-service League of Malawi Major General Namwali thanked the President for her endless effort in making sure that the War Veterans are well looked after.


Namwali said the president support since she took office has eased the challenges the veterans face in their daily lives.


ADDITIONAL NOTES

There are currently 29 War Veterans living in the country’s Barracks.

500 War Veterans live in the villages across the country.

This year’s Remembrance Day activities will be held on Sunday, 10th day of
November, 2013 at the Zomba Cenotaph with similar events taking place in Lilongwe
and Mzuzu.