Here’s a selection of events the Legion is currently involved with to commemorate the Centenary. For full and updated information, visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk/ ww1centenary
Every Man Remembered
This project, supported by Ancestry.co.uk, aims to commemorate every one of the fallen by the end of the Centenary. The website, www.everymanremembered.org was built using the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s database of every Service man or woman who died during, or as a result of, the First World War. Members of the public can search the site by name, home town, date of birth or regiment. You can plant a virtual poppy in their memory, as well as upload pictures and share stories.
Lights Out
At 10.00pm on 4th August 2014 candles will be lit at Westminster Abbey to launch a commemorative service of penitence and contemplation. Candles will be available from the Legion through our partner M&S to be lit across the country as families and community groups join in.
Centenary Poppy Campaign
Inspired by our Greenhithe & Swanscombe Branch the Legion is working in partnership with B&Q to get the whole country covered with poppies for the Centenary as a living tribute to the fallen. B&Q will donate £1 to the Legion for every promotional pack they sell. The Legion is also going to send a free pack of poppy seeds to schools throughout the UK, courtesy of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Visit this page for more information about the poppy seeds and to order online. B&Q Poppy Seeds
Only Remembered
War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo, has curated an anthology of First World War inspired literature, featuring contributions from Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall, Jaqueline Wilson, Miranda Hart, Joanna Lumley, Anthony Horowitz and Raymond Briggs. 50% of the royalties have been kindly donated by Michael Morpurgo will go to the Legion and SSAFA.
The National Memorial Arboretum
Family friendly discovery trails will take visitors to memorials linked to the First World War, telling the stories behind these tributes.
Centenary Fields
In towns and villages across the country there are war memorial fields given in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War. The national charity Fields in Trust is working with the Legion to protect these fields and create a legacy of at least 425 green spaces in the UK preserved in perpetuity for local communities.
Poppies in the Moat
On 5th August an installation of almost 900,000 ceramic poppies will be unveiled in the moat at the historic Tower of London. The poppies will be available for sale throughout the installation, with proceeds going to military charities.
Learning Pack
The Legion’s award-winning, and free, Learning Pack goes out to 50,000 schools in June 2014. The pack will contain a wide range of resources about the First World War, including assembly outlines, poems, activities, and video content.
Centenary Gardens
Ashridge Trees in Somerset will be growing trees, rosebushes and other plants to raise money for the Legion, providing the opportunity to plant something beautiful.
Hear My Cry – Words for When There Are No Words
The Bible Society has published a collection of poems, psalms and drawings inspired by the Centenary. Proceeds will be donated to the Legion and a copy of the book will be sent to each of the Legion’s branches.
The Centenary Album
The Legion and Decca Records, are producing an album of First World War themed poetry and music, featuring well known personalities, descendants of WW1 VCs and the Central Band of The Royal British Legion.
Honour Events
The Legion is organising a variety of community events around the country, including sponsored walks, bike rides and swims.
Windsor Castle WW1 Commemorative Concert – 100 years of music
On 5th June 2014 the Central Band of The Royal British Legion, with soloist Nichola McAuliffe, will perform music and songs from the last 100 years in the historic St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
The Book of the Poppy
This book brings to life the symbol of the poppy and the vital work of The Royal British Legion and features a foreword from the Legion’s National President, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO.