THE Wiltshire Poppy Appeal 2016 was launched on Friday and The Royal British Legion is urging people to ‘rethink Remembrance’ during this year’s campaign.

The poppy and the work of the legion are often associated with the First and Second World Wars and elderly veterans.

But the charity is calling on people to consider all generations of the armed forces when they wear their poppy.

The call to think more widely about our forces when making a donation this year came from the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton.

She launched the legion’s Wiltshire Poppy Appeal at Fovant Badges, near Salisbury.

A newly carved giant poppy was unveiled after which the first poppies in Wiltshire were presented to the Lord Lieutenant and to Baroness Jane Scott, the leader of Wiltshire Council.

There was also a spectacular parachute jump by members of the Royal British Legion’s Jump4Heroes Team.

The Lord Lieutenant said: “During the Poppy Appeal this year we’re asking people to widen their lens when they reflect on remembrance.

“The legion is here for all generations of the armed forces community, and it’s important to remember there’s a new generation that needs your support.

“When you pin your poppy on, or pause to remember, reconsider who you think of when you picture a veteran.

“Individuals and families from across the armed forces community need the legion’s support, as well as our older veterans.

“Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of servicemen and women, veterans and their loved ones.”

The fundraising target in Wiltshire is £700,000 which will go towards the Legion’s national target of £43m to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support.

In the last year the legion answered more than 780,000 requests for help.

Donations are used to offer support in many ways, including providing crisis grants, researching the impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the Government on key issues, and advising on benefits and money problems.

General Sir Jack Deverell, the Royal British Legion’s Wiltshire president, said: “The Poppy Appeal 2016 is encouraging the public to recognise the service and sacrifices made across all generations of the British armed forces.

“We’re encouraging people to dig deep for this year’s Poppy Appeal to help us raise £43m.

"The legion’s work is entirely dependent on the public’s generous support – so wear your poppy with pride, knowing that you are helping the Armed Forces community.”