Joanna Lumley wants everyone to wear their “plastic-free poppy with pride” to support the planet and the Armed Forces.
Joanna Lumley is backing the eco Poppy Appeal
The ‘Absolutely Fabulous’ star enthused about the annual war remembrance campaign’s shift to be more enviromentally friendly while still keeping its original commitment to backing the troops and veterans.
The 77-year-old actress told The Sun newspaper: “I’m proud to support the Royal British Legion as it launches the annual Poppy Appeal with a fantastic new plastic-free poppy.
“The Armed Forces make sacrifices every day so we can enjoy our freedoms and way of life.
“Your contribution will help the Royal British Legion continue supporting the Armed Forces community all-year round so please wear your plastic-free poppy with pride as I do, to show that you care.”
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ winner Bill Bailey also added his name to the move to show his “apperication” to the military.
The 58-year-old comedian told the same paper: “I’m proud to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and wear my plastic-free poppy.
“It’s a small act of apperication to those in the Armed Forces and their families who have given so much.”
D-Day and Royal Naval vet John Roberts also threw his backing behind the move as its “important meaning” has stayed the same.
The 99-year-old hero said: I’ve been wearing a poppy for more than 70 years, all different versions from cardboard ones, cotton ones and ones with a plastic centre and today’s new plastic-free version but while the poppies have changed, what will always remain is its important meaning.
“When I see people wearing a poppy, I think of all those we lost in World War Two.
“During the D-Day landings, my ship was based just offshore at Sword Beach. I witnessed the destruction happening on land – I’d never seen anything like it and never saw anything like it again.
“I was one of the lucky ones who survived as our ship was narrowly missed by a torpedo, so I wear my poppy to remember those who weren’t so lucky.”
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