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Media Alert: Remembrance Day 2016

Announcement posted by Defence Care 09 Nov 2016

Media Alert:  Remembrance Day 2016
 
- Afghanistan veteran, double amputee and Hacksaw Ridge actor
Damien Thomlinson available as spokesperson
 - The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with a projection of a field of poppies at 8pm on November 11th.
 
 
Sydney, November 9, 2016: Remembrance Day, November 11th, plays an important role in Australian history and culture.   RSL DefenceCare ambassador, Damien Thomlinson is available to talk to the historical significance of the day, his own experiences and RSL NSW & RSL DefenceCare’s iconic poppy appeal.
 
About Damien Thomlinson:
In 2016, the poppy appeal is being led by Afghanistan veteran and double amputee Damien Thomlinson. Thomlinson has rebuilt his life following the devastating injuries suffered while serving. He represents the many modern day veterans who have returned to Australia following their service and requiring support. He is also part of the ensemble cast of Hollywood war epic, Hacksaw Ridge, directed by Mel Gibson.
 
About the appeal:
The appeal encourages all Australians to “Remember this November” by donating and receiving a poppy from volunteers or online at www.poppyshop.org.au.  Funds raised are used to directly help Australian service men and women returning from service with physical or mental illnesses and injuries.
 
The Red Poppy has special significance for Australians.  Worn on Remembrance Day each year, the red poppies were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium following the First World War. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. This year’s appeal has also focused on the role animals have played serving in our armed forces. Service animals are traditionally remembered with a purple poppy.
 
Photography and filming opportunity:
 
In what promises to be a visual spectacle, the sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with a projection of a field of poppies at 8pm on November 11th.  Damien and RSL representatives are available for interview prior to and after “lights-on”.
 
Photos of Damien Thomlinson/poppies:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/6a3vturn0iz1vuy/AAC12oGZu_9bet6Rj_vlPUAea?dl=0
 
For more information:
David Wolf
Closer Communications
david@closer.com.au 
0411 111 787