Pilgrimage of remembrance to WWI memorials

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 which saw the 2,200 participants visit the WW1 trenches, battlefields and cemeteries of France and Belgium. During the cemetery and memorial visits, Wesley Gilmour and Sam Hudson located the graves and names of numerous soldiers from the Castledawson and Bellaghy areas and placed poppy crosses on the graves.

Wesley and Sam attended the Great Pilgrimage 90 as representatives of Castledawson Branch as a Standard Bearer and wreath layer respectively.

Talking about the experience, Sam Hudson of the Castledawson Branch said: “Being part of such an historic event, representing Castledawson in commemorating those that lost their lives in the First World War, was an honour and something I will never forget.”

Bob Gamble, The Royal British Legion’s Head of Commemorative Events, added: “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 Sam Hudson.