Military chiefs on RSA duty

Rear Admiral Jack Steer will be at Devonport Wharf this morning taking donations from the public in return for a poppy. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Two top military officers will be among volunteers collecting donations from the public for today's Poppy Day appeal.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Tim Keating and Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Jack Steer will take donations at the Devonport ferry wharf this morning.

Admiral Steer said there was always a fantastic response to the Poppy Day appeal, which funds the Returned and Services Association's support for ex-servicemen and women and their families.

"This is just another way we say thank you to those who made the sacrifice that allows us to live the way we do today."

Admiral Steer said Poppy Day and Anzac Day were important for serving personnel, but also had strong support among the public.

It was also important this year to mark the centenary of the declaration of World War I, on August 4, 1914.

RSA president Major General Don McIver said this year's centenary marked the start of several significant anniversaries, including next year's 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign.

Last year's Poppy Day appeal raised $1.8 million, and this year the RSA hopes to raise $2 million. Money raised by each RSA branch is used in the local community.