By Eunice Lole

Lilongwe, October Mana: President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has stressed the importance of reflecting upon and emulating the commitment and dedication of veterans and ex-servicemen in the country’s historical struggle for freedom.

Chakwera made the remarks on Monday during the official inauguration of Poppy Week at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

“We are here to honour those sons and daughters of the soil who have selflessly volunteered, made sacrifices, served, fought and given their lives for our freedom, we are here to declare publicly that it is their dedication that merits our deepest recognition and we are here to express our gratitude by vowing to not only remember their contributions but also by emulating their example of their service to our country in any way we can approximate it during the peace time which we now enjoy on their account,” he said.

He added that the poppy symbolizes both the blood that purchased our freedom and the resilience of those who returned home from the frontlines.

Chakwera therefore, urged Malawians to actively contribute to the noble cause by supporting the initiative through the purchase of the poppy distributed nationwide.

As a way of showing his commitment and dedication to supporting the initiative, President Chakwera has contributed the sum of MK2 million.

In his address, the Chairperson of Veterans and Ex-Service League (VELOM), General Henry Odilo (retired), commended the President for his support towards Poppy Week aimed at fundraising for the cause.

He highlighted the significance of Poppy Week in supporting VELOM members to enhance their livelihoods.

Odilo hailed government’s commitment in ensuring VELOM achieves its objectives. He further acknowledged the Malawi Defense Force and other key stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and support towards VELOM’s mission.