LCFC To Hold Annual Remembrance Fixture
- The Leicester City Remembrance Fixture will be staged on Sunday 29 October
- Everton are the visitors to King Power Stadium (4pm kick-off)
- Since 2003, the Club has raised over £200,000 for the Royal British Legion
- The Blue Army will be invited to consider what the poppy stands for and to wear it with pride
On Sunday 29 October, the Football Club will commemorate the sacrifices of servicemen and women in conflicts past and present with a day dedicated to the Armed Forces community at King Power Stadium.
One of the standout occasions in the Leicester City calendar, highlighting the unbreakable bond that exists between the Club and its community, the Blue Army will be invited to consider what the poppy stands for and to wear it with pride in support of the Armed Forces.
The poppy and the work of The Legion are often associated with the First and Second World Wars, including elderly veterans.
This year, however, The Legion is encouraging people not only to honour the fallen of both conflicts and those which followed, but also to support and consider those still living and serving.
Since 2003, the Club has raised over £200,000 for The Legion.
For a suggested minimum donation of just £3, Leicester City supporters can now purchase a limited edition poppy pin featuring the Club’s badge from the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium.
Visitors to Filbert Way can also take pictures with friends and family in front of graffiti poppy art, on display on the outer walls of the North Stand, designed by Northampton-based artist Ruelo.
All three Armed Forces will be represented on the day, first helping to raise funds from collection points around the stadium, before joining Club Ambassador Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall on the pitch.
Before kick-off at 4pm, servicemen and women past and present, from the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and British Army, will congregate on the pitch for the sounding of the Last Post.
Supporters are advised that the sounding of the Last Post marks the beginning of the minute’s silence and are asked to hold up their clap banners to display a stadium-wide tribute mosaic.
Meanwhile, Chris Platts, a Legion beneficiary, has been chosen to present the referee and both captains with the match ball ahead of kick-off at King Power Stadium.
Chris served in the British Army in the Royal Logistic Corps for just under six years and is now a full-time carer for his wife and children.
The team’s poppy-adorned, match-worn shirts will also be auctioned, with all proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.
All funds raised will help The Legion offer support, including providing crisis grants, researching the long-lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government and advising on benefits and money problems.
At half-time, the Birch will be joined by current and ex-servicemen and women for a lap of the pitch at King Power Stadium, led by the Army Cadet Force Band.
The Birch said: “Each year it gives me great pride to see the lengths our Football Club and our wonderful fans go to in order to support such a worthy cause that is The Royal British Legion.
“It’s always both a rousing and emotional experience at our annual Remembrance Fixture but one that makes for a wonderful spectacle in tribute to those members of our Armed Forces past and present, who have given so much to this country.”
For more information on the Royal British Legion, please click HERE.