Members of the Retford and District Branch of The Royal British Legion joined thousands of Armed Forces veterans and supporters from across the UK and worldwide, in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of WWI’s most poignant sites.
A spectacular two-mile march through Ypres to the Commonwealth War Grave Commission’s Menin Gate Memorial, led by 1,100 Standard Bearers, was the culmination of the three-day event which saw the 2,200 participants visit the WWI trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.
Scott Harrison and Carl Jenkin attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Retford and District Branch, as Standard Bearer and wreath layer respectively. Scott Harrison, Standard Bearer of our local branch, said “Being part of such an historic event, representing Retford and District Branch in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”
Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Head of Commemorative Events, said: “GP90, was the Legion’s biggest membership event in modern history and is a suitable tribute from the members of The Royal British Legion in honour of the First World War generation, echoing the way the British Legion commemorated the 10th anniversary in 1928.”
For more information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk or to find out how to get involved with your local branch contact Ann Hickman on 01777 818993.
As Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday fall on the same day this year, there will be just one commemorative event in the Market Square Retford this year, on Sunday 11th November. The event will commence at 10.40am. Further details will appear next month.