Students, faculty and staff of The Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) continue to support worthy causes. They recently threw their support behind the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group and now they are supporting World War I and II veterans by purchasing poppies.
The Bahamas has 20 registered World War II veterans and 27 registered widows, and Coordinator of BTVI’s Student Affairs department, Mrs. Raquel Bethel, expressed excitement over BTVI’s willingness to make small donations towards supporting the poppy appeal. “We are pleased to stand shoulder to shoulder with all those who served in World Wars I and II and encourage the BTVI family to wear their poppies with pride,” she said.
Moreover, Mrs. Bethel noted the importance of becoming educated about the significance of the poppy. “We are grateful when people support the survivors of both wars and remember the fallen; however, everyone wearing a poppy should know why they’re doing so. We really want to pay homage to those brave soldiers who risked their lives for our freedom. It was really a monumental sacrifice. They literally put country above self, and for that we are indebted to them,” stated Ms. Bethel.
Remembrance Day – also known as Poppy Day or Veteran’s Day – is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians particularly during World Wars I and II. It is observed on the 11th November to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. It was the red poppy which bloomed across some of the worst battlefields during the war and their brilliant colour has become an appropriate symbol of the blood spilled in the war.
It is tradition to wear an artificial poppy, sold by the Royal British Legion (Bahamas branch), a charity dedicated to helping war veterans.
The Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute
Caption: Beauty Trades HOD, Dr. Donnalee Minnis and Cosmetology instructor, Janet Grant support worthy causes.
