Wreaths laid to mark formation of Royal British Legion 100 years ago
Wreaths are laid at Cenotaph in London to mark exact moment of the formation of Royal British Legion 100 years ago as ceremonies take place in towns and cities across UK
- Charity marked the exact moment of its formation 100 years ago at 9am today
- Wreaths were laid in Whitehall in London and other towns, cities and villages
- Representatives of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy laid wreaths at the Cenotaph
- Prince Charles hailed charity’s ‘constant’ support of Armed Forces community
Wreaths have been laid at the Cenotaph to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion today.
The charity marked the exact moment of its formation 100 years ago at 9am on Saturday with the laying of wreaths on Whitehall in London and other towns, cities and villages across the UK.
Representatives of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy laid wreaths at the Cenotaph to replicate the same actions of that time and day a century ago.
The ceremony was led by retired Lieutenant General James Bashall, who is national president of the RBL.
Wreaths have been laid at the Cenotaph (pictured) to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion today
The charity marked the exact moment of its formation 100 years ago at 9am on Saturday with the laying of wreaths (pictured) on Whitehall in London and other towns, cities and villages across the UK
The ceremony was led by retired Lieutenant General James Bashall (pictured laying a wreath), who is national president of the RBL
In a video message to celebrate the charity’s centenary, the Prince of Wales hailed its ‘constant’ support of the Armed Forces community.
Prince Charles said: ‘There are few organisations which hold a place at the heart of society in the way the Royal British Legion does.
‘For one hundred years, the Royal British Legion has been a constant, through the annual Poppy Appeal, leading the nation in remembrance and providing a life-long commitment to every veteran and their families.
Representatives of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy laid wreaths at the Cenotaph to replicate the same actions of that time and day a century ago. Pictured: Lieutenant General Bashall laying his wreath
A special edition RBL centenary coin will also be used for the coin toss of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley. Pictured: A wreath being laid today
‘Therefore, I wanted, above all, to offer my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all those who have helped build this wonderful organisation we know today, and to all those who will be part of its future.’
Charles’s video led a wealth of tributes from service personnel and members of the Armed Forces community, as well as celebrity supporters including Ross Kemp and Stephen Fry.
A special edition RBL centenary coin will also be used for the coin toss of the FA Cup final between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley.
Prince Charles (pictured) said: ‘There are few organisations which hold a place at the heart of society in the way the Royal British Legion does’
RBL director general Charles Byrne said: ‘In this, our centenary year, we are focused firmly on our future.
‘Our proud heritage and 100 years of experience supporting the Armed Forces community have built the strong foundations of an organisation fit for the next 100.
‘We remain committed to our mission to ensure that those who have given so much for their country get the fair treatment, support and recognition they deserve.’
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