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President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika on Friday officially Inaugurated this year’s Poppy Week with a call that Malawians should join hands in supporting war veteran.
He said this year’s commemoration of the Poppy Week is very significant as it comes after 100 years since the First World War broke on August 4, 1914 when Germany invaded Belgium.
Mutharika said this at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre.
“Indeed from today, in remembrance of the noble and gallant fallen heroes of these wars, we will proudly wear the red poppy. Red is the colour of blood as well as sacrifice. This is also reflected on the colour of our Malawian flag. It is thus with great pleasure and pride that today I lead Malawians and encouraged them to do something in support of the war veterans as symbolized by the poppy flowers”, he said.
Mutharika urged Malawians not take the prevailing peace for granted.
“As we have worn the red poppy since 1921, this implies that we should not take peace for granted because throughout most of the human story, the norm for most of mankind has been war and suffering.
“It is for this reason that I commend CELOM members and all people of goodwill, who have continuously given moral and general support to the war veterans in Malawi”, said Mutharika.
Mutharika added: “War is the price of securing the peace we deserve. We shall therefore remember the fallen heroes who gave their lives to answer the call of peace. Their names shall always be glorified and their souls shall strengthen our strife for peace”.
On his part, CELOM National Chairman Major General Buxton Namwali said war veterans in the country are facing a number of problems like lack of government recognition and others.
