Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about those who fought in the World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. 

The Pershore & District Branch was first established in 1922 and absorbed Eckington Branch in 2013. 

The Start of the Royal British Legion

On Sunday 15 May 1921, a small group of ex-Servicemen and representatives from the four organisations, The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, The Comrades of The Great War and The Officers' Association walked to the Cenotaph, in London’s Whitehall. As Big Ben struck nine, the four men representing the organisations laid a wreath with the badges of the four organisations that would officially unite to form the British Legion.

The following day the constitution was presented to and agreed by 700 delegates at the Unity Conference in London. The then Prince of Wales was also invited to become the British Legion’s first Patron, whilst Earl Haig was appointed as the British Legion’s first President and Sir Frederick Lister the National Chairman.

The British Legion was founded by and for Armed Forces personnel and as a demonstration of its attitude towards its members the constitution was proposed by a soldier and seconded by a General - there would be no distinction between rank, religion or political affiliation.

For the full history, follow the link. The Founding Of RBL | Our Centenary | Royal British Legion 

Background of the Poppy as a Symbol of Remembrance

The red poppy became a symbol of Remembrance after the First World War, when poppies grew across battlefields in France and Belgium. Inspired by this sight, John McCrae wrote In Flanders Fields (see below), and Moina Michael in the United States campaigned to adopt the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Anna Guérin, a French lecturer, helped introduce the poppy to the UK in 1921, selling them to raise funds for war-affected communities 

The Poppy Appeal continues to be a vital campaign, combining historical remembrance with practical support for the Armed Forces community, ensuring that those who served are not forgotten and receive the help they need.

 
In Flanders Fields (1915) became a symbolic WWI poem written by McCrae, who served during the war as a lieutenant colonel and surgeon. He was inspired to write it May 3, 1915 after presiding over the funeral of Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who died in the Second Battle of Ypres. The poem celebrates the poppy as a symbol of resilience. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow 
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.