A flag has been raised in honour of the country's war heroes as Bolton prepares to remember the great sacrifices made in the two Great Wars and continue to be made. The town's first citizen Cllr Andy Morgan was this week presented with the Mayor's Poppy by Steve Connelly, area co-ordinator for the Royal British Legion and Cllr Ryan Bamforth, Bolton Council 's Armed Force Champion ahead of the poppy appeal, which was launched yesterday. Cllr Morgan , a veteran himself, said: "The Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal is a fundraising campaign held each year in the lead-up to Remembrance Day in November.
"It raises money to support veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and their families. "The appeal is symbolised by the red poppy, which represents remembrance and hope for a peaceful future. "The appeal culminates in Remembrance Sunday with services taking place across the borough which it is hoped many of you will attend.
" Bolton Council will be flying the RBL Poppy appeal flag on the Town Hall until the evening of 11th November. Bolton’s annual Concert of Remembrance will return to the Albert Halls on Thursday 7 November, featuring the Lancashire Artillery Band. Other local artists are set to perform, including organist and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Jean Martyn.
The Vicar of Bolton will conduct the act of Remembrance which always proves to be emotional with Standards and Cadets on parade. All proceeds from the concert will go to Bolton Cadet Force.