Thank You to the First World War generation

USPA NEWS - The Poppy Appeal 2018 launched today in Gloucestershire as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying "Thank You" to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. This year The Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation including those from the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists who served or otherwise played a part in the war effort.

Gloucester Cathedral hosted this year's launch in the Lady Chapel with the backdrop provided by GCHQ's stunning giant waterfall of over 9,000 handmade poppies, originally created by GCHQ staff and friends to launch The Royal British Legion's Gloucestershire Poppy Appeal 2016.

RBL County President, Air Vice Marshal Ian Corbitt welcomed guests who had been invited to stand alongside the RBL to mark the centenary of the First World War. "Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say "Thank You" for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us".
The invited guests, which included local dignatories, representatives from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC), the Boy Scouts, the RBL and GCHQ then added their own messages of thanks during the ceremony.

As GCHQ looks forward to its own Centenary, their thanks went to those who served in signals intelligence in World War One: "Some made the ultimate sacrifice. Their ground-breaking work to keep our forces safe led to the establishment of GCHQ 1919"

. Canon Celia Thomson, Canon Chancellor of the Cathedral, then blessed the poppyfall, which will be displayed in the Lady Chapel until 26 November.
The Legion's fundraising target in Gloucestershire this year is £720,000, which will go towards its biggest ever national target of £50 million, allowing it to continue its vital work delivering practical, through-life care and support to the Armed Forces community.