Help needed for Legion pilgrimage

The Great Pilgrimage 90 will see Legion members carry their standards to the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, representing an entire generation that served while defending their country.

Burnley Coun. Lubna Khan has joined up with the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Coun. Lian Pate, to raise funds so that Burnley and Padiham veterans can take part.

The event next August will be the Legion’s biggest in its history when two representatives from every branch will recreate a major event that took place a decade after the end of the war, when veterans and war widows visited the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres.

Over two days, attendees will visit battlefield memorial sites, trenches and cemeteries, and then take part in a parade to the Menin Gate, where a wreath from each branch will be placed on the memorial.

A march past will then take place, observed by civic and military guests from the UK, Europe and Commonwealth countries.

Following the service, members will join spectators in the Great Square for an afternoon of comradeship with exhibitions and musical performances.

Coun. Khan said: “We heard that the Burnley and Padiham British Legion want to participate in this important event by sending two representatives.

“The cost per branch is £1,000 to cover all costs. As a small branch, comprising mainly elderly members, Burnley Royal British Legion said they needed to raise funds in order to participate.

“That is why we have set up a ‘Just Giving’ page so people have the opportunity to make a donation so that Burnley can be represented.

“People can choose to donate personally, through organisations, or by organising a fund-raising event.

“If we manage get over the £1,000 target, any extra money will be used for the day to day expenses involved in running the local British Legion branch.”

Donations can be made by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/councillorlubnakhan