Mobile Poppy Brings Overseas Australians Together Online

November 1, 2009

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, November 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Australians overseas can commemorate Remembrance Day on 11 November by downloading a digital poppy to their mobile phone.

For every poppy purchased as a donation, another is planted in an online Field of Remembrance at www.rslpoppy.com, Returned & Services League of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Doug Formby said.

"For the first time Australians everywhere can pay tribute via the web and mobile sites to the 102,000 Australian men and women who sacrificed their lives serving their country since World War I," Mr. Formby said.

"All funds raised from poppy downloads will be used by the RSL to continue vital veteran welfare work in Australia."

Visitors can also download mobile content to their wireless devices, such as the Last Post ring tone and the national anthem, Advance Australia Fair.

"Plus they can leave a personal tribute on an online Wall of Remembrance, a unique way for Australians to come together and remember those who died in war," Mr. Formby said.

"In this way mobile technology is helping bring values of honour and respect for our veterans into the modern era."

Since 2001, 12 Australians have been killed in action on foreign soils and a further 83 have been seriously wounded.

It is almost a century since the poppy was immortalised by the poem In Flanders Fields and became a symbol of remembrance for those fallen in wartime. Mobile phone users with web function can access the website at m.rslpoppy.com.

    
    For further information:
    Charmaine Dillon-Smith Public Relations Officer RSL 
        (QLD Branch, Australia)
    Tel: +61-7-3634-9444 
    Mob: +61-432-820-370
    Email:charmaine.dillonsmith@rslqld.org