THE Mayor of Weymouth attended a wreath laying ceremony in celebration of the Royal British Legion's centenary and 100 years of supporting the Armed Forces community.

The Weymouth RBL branch, along with branches in towns and villages across the UK, echoed the centenary moment by laying their own wreaths at 9am on Saturday May 15.

Representatives of the Royal Navy, the British Army, the Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy marked the exact moment of the RBL's formation 100 years ago with the symbolic laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in London.

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The wreath laying ceremony in Weymouth was limited to only six people due to Covid regulations, chairman of the branch Naomi Turner, along with the vice chair, the standard-bearer, the treasurer and the Mayor of Weymouth attended.

Cllr Colin Huckle, Mayor of Weymouth Town Council, said he was was honoured to attend the wreath laying ceremony.

He said: “I was invited to attend the small gathering of Weymouth British Legion members to mark the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. Coronavirus restrictions meant the event had to be limited to 6 people, so I’m proud to have been able to represent the Weymouth community.

“A wreath was laid by members of the Royal British Legion and a minute’s silence was held in remembrance of the servicemen and women who died whilst serving their country.

“The Royal British Legion support serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. They can help with expert advice and services, including rehabilitation, housing advice, finding employment and help to live independently. The Royal British Legion is very active in Dorset and we’re so grateful for their vital work to support our Armed Forces community.”

The Royal British Legion’s Director General, Charles Byrne, said: “In this, our centenary year, we are focussed firmly on our future. Our proud heritage and 100 years of experience supporting the Armed Forces community have built the strong foundations of an organisation fit for the next 100. We remain committed to our mission to ensure that those who have given so much for their country get the fair treatment, support and recognition they deserve."

We at the Dorset Echo are asking our readers to donate to the RBL by visiting dorsetecho.co.uk/RBL or sending a cheque payable to Dorset Echo in an envelope clearly marked ‘RBL donation’ and mailing it to Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.