Nearly 1000 veterans' graves in Dannevirke will again be marked with poppies this year. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Nearly 1000 veterans' graves in Dannevirke will again be marked with poppies this year after a "kind local" offered to cover the costs for the Returned and Services Association (RSA).
Dannevirke RSA president Major Richard Short said its decision to put the money it usually spent on poppies into support services instead triggered a backlash from some - but support from others.
"This decision has been reversed and poppies will once again be seen on our service member's graves for the fifth year," he said.
"This has been made financially possible for this year because a kind local has offered us twice what it costs to do so.
"It has been made environmentally acceptable to us because the volunteers of the Dannevirke RSA Women's Section have agreed to clean up the poppies just after Anzac Day, as well as place them all out - no small task as there are 980 graves."
Meanwhile, Short said he hoped those who were disgusted by what they perceived as the RSA's "disrespect to veterans" would help make this year's poppy appeal a success, for the sake of living veterans.
"What the RSA does for our veterans is second to none in this country and what it needs is money, membership and volunteers to keep making this possible.
"I challenge those that disliked our plan enough to comment and everyone that values our veterans to double the Dannevirke poppy take this year to $10,000."
