Islanders 'honoured' to attend Ypres pilgrimage
Members of the Isles of Scilly Branch of the Royal British Legion have joined thousands of Armed Forces veterans and supporters from across the UK and worldwide in a pilgrimage of remembrance to some of WW1’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 earlier this month, which saw the 2,200 participants visit the WW1 trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium.
Ian McCarthy-Lunn and Richard Wiltshire attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of the Isles of Scilly Branch as a Standard Bearer and wreath layer respectively.
They said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing the Isles of Scilly in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something we will never forget.”
The pair added that they were helped in their travels by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, who "generously provided us with return tickets to Exeter".
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 community commemorated the 10th anniversary of the conflict in 1928.”
For more information visit www.britishlegion.org.uk or to find our how to get involved with your local branch contact Ian or Liz McCarthy-Lunn (liz.ianmccarthylunn@btinternet.com).