A SPECIAL service to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War will take place in Victoria Square at 10.40am on Sunday (July 13).
The event will be attended by Droitwich Mayor, Coun Bob Brookes, and MP Sir Peter Luff, along with pupils from Spa schools.
After the service, there will be refreshments at the town’s Royal British Legion branch in Salwarpe Road, where poems from the schools will be read out and pictures from them displayed.
Pieces were selected after First World War poetry writing and painting competitions and it is hoped the best work will be featured in a commemorative booklet that will be put on sale, with the cash raised boosting the Poppy Appeal’s coffers even further.
Stephen Moore, the chairman of the Droitwich RBL, said: “I would like to thank all the schools for their involvement with our First World War commemoration – it is important we remember those who have made sacrifices so that we can live our lives with the freedom we have today.
“The British Legion is playing an important role in the First World War commemoration and I hope that as many people as possible can join us on Sunday.”
The actual day Britain entered one of the most costliest conflicts in history was August 4, 1914 and the fighting continued until Armistice Day – November 11, 1918.
The RBL was founded by British veterans in the First World War aftermath and it is fitting that almost 100 years on, the organisation will be at the forefront of the centenary commemoration. It is the UK’s custodian of Remembrance and Britain’s largest Armed Forces charity.
To this day, the Legion carries out important welfare work and those serving in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families still call on the organisation for help with almost every aspect of daily life.
The problems affecting First World War veterans when they returned to the UK were similar to those facing serving personnel, veterans and their families today.
They include, living with bereavement or disability, finding employment, or coping with financial hardship.
To find out more about Droitwich Royal British Legion, including joining and voluntary roles, call secretary Alan Newman on 07870 311036.
Anyone wanting to find out more about the First World War service and the commemorative booklet should email Richard Morris at [email protected].
