by Andy Gray
agray@thekmgroup.co.uk

War heroes young and old attended the Kent launch of Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal today (Thursday).
Legion veterans arrived in a cavalcade of vintage cars for the launch at County Hall in Maidstone.
During a short ceremony, a select band of servicemen and women were presented with a first poppy by children from Sandling Primary and North Borough Junior schools in Maidstone.
This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion.
In a speech to assembled military dignitaries and members of the public, Geoff Simpson, county manager for the Legion, said: “The Legion has been standing shoulder to shoulder with veterans since they were 19, and we’re still here for them now they’re 90.
“We plan to be there for the new group of 19-year-olds when they turn 90.”
Phillip White, 19, was one of the younger serviceman to receive a first poppy.
The trainee chef from Maidstone Barracks, said: “It’s so important that we remind younger people about the bravery of Britain’s war heroes.
“Perhaps it will teach them to show respect to veterans and young people joining the forces.”
Members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch provided a leather-clad presence at the ceremony.
The free-wheeling volunteers attend military-based events across the country to promote the Legion.
They also aim to highlight the plight of ex-military involved in more recent conflicts.
Jae Enock , 49, a rider from Gravesend and a former member of the First Battalion Queen’s Regiment, said the group’s unconventional attire helps draw attention to their cause.
He said: “We want to remind people Remembrance Day isn’t just about the First and Second World War.
“There have been seven conflicts since the Second World War in which 18,000 servicemen have died.”
People of Kent donated more than £1 million to last year’s appeal.
It will go towards helping provide emotional and financial support for ex-servicemen and their families.
The Legion spends more than £200,000 a day on support for Britain’s armed forces.
Since 2003 it has helped more than 10,000 serving, ex-service and family members of wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mr Enock said: “The Royal British Legion is a cause close to my heart because my father lost both his legs in Burma in 1942.
“He worked everyday of his life because his pension didn’t pay enough.
“Things are changing slowly, but there is still not enough support for our war heroes.”