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Come October, the island will see the circulation of thousands of poppies as the Jamaica Legion recognizes those loyal Jamaicans whose sacrifices and lives, in World Wars One and Two and even in more present warfare, gave us the freedom and democracy we enjoy today.

The Annual National Poppy Appeal will be launched on Sunday, 5 October 2008 through the well-known Concert-In-A-Garden to be held at Curphey Place, Kingston 5 under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the Governor General.

The Jamaica Legion, through its National Poppy Appeal, continues to raise funds to maintain Jamaican Ex-Service persons who are no longer able to provide for themselves. It is hoped that this Poppy Drive will yield over JA$4.3 million dollars.
The Jamaica Legion is an affiliate of the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League, which was established in 1949. Today, hundreds of Ex-Servicemen and women across Jamaica continue to receive assistance from the Legion above what they get from the Government.

The Grand Patron and President is the Governor-General of Jamaica. An Island Council administers the affairs of the Legion. Its day to day affairs are administered by an Executive Committee.

The Headquarters of the Jamaica Legion is at Curphey Place, Kingston, on lands (part of Up Park Camp) obtained through the Ministry of Defence. In South Manchester, the Legion maintains the Curphey Home for Ex-Servicemen who have no home or no one to take care of them at home. It was named after the late Colonel Sir Aldington Curphey, one of the founders of the Jamaica Legion. The first four Veterans moved into the Home on 01 January 1957. Some of the benefits available to members are monthly allowances and clothing, medical, optical and dental assistance. There are presently 150 retired military personnel and 28 widows being accommodated and cared for.

The Jamaica Defence Force is instrumental in the maintenance of the home and grounds. The JDF also contributes towards the financial support of Ex-Servicemen. In addition, several organized visits are made to the Home to add to their social well-being.

The National Poppy Appeal is the main means of financial support as well as to promote remembrance of those who have serviced selflessly. The Chairman of the Poppy Appeal Committee is always the Commanding Officer of the Support and Services Battalion of the JDF. As Grand Patron and President, the Governor-General takes a personal interest in this drive and launches the Poppy Appeal each year on the first Sunday in October at Curphey Place.

The Jamaica Legion thanks all entities for the benevolence and generous response given to the Poppy Appeal each year. Your donations will continue to ensure the survival of our courageous Ex-Servicemen and women who may not be facing the military enemy, but still have to fight many hardships with extremely limited resources.

You may send your contribution to the Jamaica Legion Poppy Appeal, Curphey Place, Kingston 5. The telephone numbers are 926-2382 or 926-7230.