Torrevieja’s British Community Honors Fallen Heroes

A Solemn Remembrance Day Ceremony Unites Veterans, Locals, and Expatriates in the Heart of Costa Blanca

Torrevieja’s vibrant British expatriate community gathered once again on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to mark **Poppy Day** – known in the UK as **Remembrance Day** – with a poignant ceremony that honored military personnel and victims of terrorism. Held at the stroke of 11:00 AM on the 11th day of the 11th month, the event upheld a century-old tradition dating back to 1920, symbolizing the end of World War I and the solemn promise: *“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”*

The commemoration began with a special **Remembrance Mass** at the **Parroquia Arciprestal de la Inmaculada Concepción**, officiated by **Father Richard Seabrook**, pastor of Torrevieja’s Anglican Church. The service was attended by **Mayor Eduardo Dolón**, **Councillor for International Residents Gitte Lund**, **Councillor for Coexistence and Integration Óscar Urtasun**, and **Sara Munsterhjelm**, Vice-Consul of the British Consulate in Alicante. Local police and veterans from the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force stood in respectful formation.

“This annual act is not only a tribute to those who gave their lives for freedom but a powerful symbol of unity between the British community and the people of Torrevieja.”
— Gitte Lund, Councillor for International Residents

A Century of Remembrance: The Symbolism of the Poppy

The **red poppy** has been the emblem of remembrance since 1921, inspired by the World War I poem *“In Flanders Fields”* by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The flower grew in the battle-scarred fields of Belgium and France, becoming a universal symbol of sacrifice. In Torrevieja – home to over **12,000 British residents** – Poppy Day is more than a ritual; it’s a bridge between cultures, reinforcing the town’s identity as a welcoming Mediterranean hub for international residents.

Organized by the **Royal British Legion Spain South Branch**, led by chairman **Jack Kempt**, the event saw veterans in full regalia participate in a moving **wreath-laying ceremony** at the **Plaza de la Constitución**. The tribute honored not only those lost in the two World Wars but also victims of global terrorism – a modern extension of the Legion’s mission to support serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

Torrevieja: A Second Home for British Veterans and Families

With one of the largest British populations in Spain, Torrevieja has long embraced its international residents. The town offers English-speaking healthcare, British supermarkets, social clubs, and even a dedicated **International Residents Department** led by Councillor Gitte Lund. Events like Poppy Day strengthen civic bonds, with local authorities actively supporting expatriate traditions.

The Royal British Legion’s presence in the region is robust, with branches across the Costa Blanca providing **financial aid, emotional support, and social activities** for veterans and their dependents. In 2025, the Legion reported assisting over **1,200 individuals** in Alicante province alone – from mobility aids to emergency grants.

Beyond Remembrance: Community Impact and Future Outlook

Poppy Day in Torrevieja is also a **fundraising effort**. Volunteers sell paper poppies in the weeks leading up to November 11, with all proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion’s **Poppy Appeal**. In 2024, the Spain South district raised **€48,000** – a figure expected to grow in 2025 thanks to increased awareness and digital donation options.

Looking ahead, the Legion plans to expand youth engagement through school visits and history workshops, ensuring the legacy of remembrance endures for younger generations of British and Spanish residents alike. With Torrevieja’s growing reputation as a cultural crossroads – bolstered by events like the **Low Festival relocation in 2026** – Poppy Day stands as a testament to the town’s inclusive spirit.

As the final notes of *The Last Post* echoed through the plaza and a two-minute silence enveloped the crowd, Torrevieja reaffirmed its role not just as a sunny retirement destination, but as a place where history, honor, and community converge.

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