At Portadown War Memorial, charity members Neil Robinson and Harvey Forbes, alongside ASA Charity Chairman Ashley Forbes, had the privilege of laying a wreath on behalf of the Association, honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of generations of servicemen and women.

Meanwhile, at Lurgan War Memorial, charity members Gillian Bleakney and Lexi Davidson laid a wreath on behalf of ASA Charity and the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial, reflecting the charity's commitment to remembering both the men and women who served and the animals who stood alongside them during times of conflict.

Across Northern Ireland, ASA Charity's UK Ambassadors, Carla Lockhart MP and Graham Dodds MBE DL, also participated in various Remembrance services, demonstrating their continued dedication to ensuring that the sacrifices of previous generations are never forgotten.

In London, the charity's Patron, Lieutenant Colonel Ant Maher, attended the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, joining representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans and dignitaries in one of the United Kingdom's most significant annual acts of remembrance.

A Special Connection to the Origins of the Remembrance Poppy

The weekend also brought a particularly meaningful moment for ASA Charity when members were delighted to receive correspondence from the great-granddaughter of Madame Anna Guérin, affectionately remembered as The Poppy Lady of France.

Madame Guérin played a pioneering role in establishing the Remembrance Poppy tradition in the United Kingdom. In 1921, she helped introduce the sale of artificial poppies as a means of remembering those who had fallen during the First World War while raising vital funds to support veterans and their families.

Her vision was embraced by the newly established British Legion, helping create a tradition that would become one of the most recognisable and enduring symbols of remembrance throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

For ASA Charity, whose work is firmly rooted in remembrance, education and supporting the wider community, receiving contact from a descendant of such an influential figure in the history of remembrance was both a privilege and a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving these remarkable stories for future generations.

Keeping the Legacy of Remembrance Alive

Remembrance remains at the very heart of the Ancre Somme Association Charity's work. Through commemorative events, educational initiatives, community engagement and projects such as the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial, the Association continues to ensure that the sacrifices of both people and animals in conflict are recognised and remembered.

The charity wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all its members, ambassadors, representatives and supporters who attended services throughout the United Kingdom over the weekend.

Their participation reflects a shared commitment to honouring the fallen, supporting those who have served and ensuring that remembrance remains an important part of our national heritage.

We Will Remember Them