Call for nation to remember the Somme

The Scottish public are invited to help mark 100 years since the start of the Battle of the Somme.
Photo by Brian Harris / Rex Features ( 594552b )Photo by Brian Harris / Rex Features ( 594552b )
Photo by Brian Harris / Rex Features ( 594552b )

The Government and The Royal British Legion are working together to encourage communities across the country to mark the battle in their own way.

The ambition is for villages, towns and cities to gather at a meaningful place or in their home, to light a candle, read a poem, listen to music, share a photo of a family member who fought at the Somme.

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The Battle of the Somme spanned 141 days, and the vigils will mirror the apprehension 100 years ago as those in the trenches waited anxiously for the “zero hour” at 7:30am when they went over the top.

To help communities host Remembrance events in their own way, The Royal British Legion has launched a toolkit which features everything needed to host a Somme commemoration.

The pack includes Remembrance event content ideas, a concise history of the Somme, the Act of Remembrance, a souvenir ‘1916’ newspaper, promotional event materials among other information and tips.

The Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch KCVO, head of Remembrance at The Royal British Legion said: “This year we are asking communities to host or take part in events to commemorate those who fell at the Battle of the Somme, which has come to symbolise the tragic scale and futility of modern industrialised warfare.

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“The toolkit and indeed every other part of the Legion’s Somme Remembrance activity has been designed to appeal as widely as possible, reflecting the losses that were felt by almost every community in the UK and Commonwealth. Their collective sacrifice is as relevant today as ever but in this centenary year we pay special tribute to their Service.”

To order your kit or for more information on the Somme click here british legion