Local

Governor receives symbolic first poppy

6 October 2015

The Cayman Islands Veterans Association presented Governor Helen Kilpatrick with a symbolic first poppy Monday for this year’s Poppy Appeal campaign.

A display made by Mike and Dawn McTaggart was set up in the Government Administration Building with one of the 888,246 ceramic poppies that were on display last year at the Tower of London – one poppy for each British or colonial military fatality during WWI, the release stated.

The ceramic poppy was donated by veterans association member, retired Royal Marine Paul Ebanks, and his wife, Mary, according to a government press release.

Pinning the symbolic poppy on Ms. Kilpatrick were Cathy Frazier and Deborah Ebanks, whose fathers served in the military.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II. The poppy drive is organized annually by the veterans association to help raise funds for veterans and widows.

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The McTaggarts’ display will be moved from the government building to the Marriott Grand Cayman Resort for the veterans association annual fundraising gala dinner on Oct. 17.

The black-tie event is the biggest fundraiser for the association. It also is a tribute to everyone in the Cayman Islands who has worn a military uniform.

Poppies will be available for purchase throughout Cayman until Remembrance Day, Nov. 9. To purchase tickets for the gala, call 926-5189.

Cathy Frazier, left, and Deborah Ebanks pin Governor Helen Kilpatrick with the first poppy of the 2015 Poppy Appeal. – Photos: Jewel Levy

From left, front row, Shadden McLaughlin, Mike Marshall, Cathy Frazier, daughter of late veteran Dalkeith Bodden, Cayman Islands Veterans Association President Dale Banks, Governor Helen Kilpatrick, Ewart Ebanks and daughter Deborah, Rudy Kudritzki and Graham Walker, with, back row, from left, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Paul Ebanks and Oxley Banks, at the Government Adminstration Building for the symbolic first poppy presentation on Monday.