On Monday (November 1), the Mayor of Launceston Cllr Paul O'Brien placed the first cross in the Garden of Remembrance on the War Memorial in Launceston, which had been previously blessed by the Launceston branch Padre, Rev David Michaels. This marks the start of the Poppy Appeal in Launceston which is the main fundraiser for the Royal British Legion.

The Royal British Legion helps serving and ex-service personnel and their families and this is not just those from the two World Wars, but those involved in the many conflicts since 1945, as well as those still serving today. It is the Royal British Legion who assists the relatives of those injured on duty today to visit then in hospitals as well as making it possible for them to stay close by.

During 2009 the Legion introduced several new services and extended the reach of existing ones. Over £1.2 million a week was spent on welfare work and as a result around 100,000 people have been helped. The Royal British Legion safeguards the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces, and are one of the UK's largest membership organisations and recognised as custodians of Remembrance. Crosses and wreaths are available from Hicks store as well as other outlets in the Launceston area. There will be a two minute silence held in the Square at 11am on Thursday, November 11. A short Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, November 14, commencing at 10.55am, when the wreaths will be laid. It is hoped that many will support this act of remembrance.