President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Friday officially launched the 2023 Poppy Week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, with a call to the public to honour the soldiers who risked their lives and contributed to the country’s national security.
The President, who bought the first poppy ribbon at K2 million, said there could be no better occasion than the start of the Poppy season for Malawians to reflect and commit themselves to the care of the soldiers, who put themselves in harm’s way to keep the citizenry safe.
He noted that soldiers who have served in the country’s military have contributed to the Malawi Defence Force’s well-established reputation as a disciplined, skillful, and patriotic institution.
Chakwera said: “When it comes to constitutionalism and institutionalism, there is no better role model in our governance framework than the Malawi Defence Force; For this reason, those who have gone into retirement after wearing the uniform with valour and honour deserve our fondest memory, our highest regard, and our noblest service.
“To all of you here, to all those you represent and are not able to be here, and to all those we have lost along the way, I say, on behalf of the Malawian people, thank you.”
According to the Chairperson for Veterans and Ex-Service League of Malawi (VELOM), General Henry Odillo (Retired), his organisation seeks to raise a total of K100 million for rehabilitation of houses for the veterans at Zomba War Memorial Home.
Odillo said VELOM needs a lot of support from well-wishers to accomplish its mandate of looking after the retired soldiers, widows and children to ensure that their welfare is taken care of.
He added that, with available resources, the organisation has been supporting its members, including those who were affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy, but more resources are still required.
“We are going to engage the private sector, starting with a charity golf tournament on November 4, to raise funds for the welfare of our veterans,” explained Odillo, calling upon banks and the corporate world to heed the appeal and support the cause.
