WARRIORS fans will be invited to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War at their opening Premiership Rugby Cup match against Sale Sharks at Sixways.
As the closest fixture to Armistice Day on November 11, Friday’s match has been chosen for Warriors’ annual remembrance service and it will be an even more poignant occasion this year as the world marks the centenary of the cessation of hostilities in the conflict.
Serving servicemen, women and veterans from local regiments will parade on the Sixways pitch whilst a drumhead is formed on the centre circle.
Drumhead services were often conducted near the battlefront where the military command used its drums – piled neatly and draped with appropriate colours – to create a makeshift altar.
The Last Post will be played by Don Somers and Stan Wilkinson – two members of the Buglers Association before a minute’s silence is observed.
Reveille will signal the end of the silence before David Waldron, county chairman of the Worcestershire branch of the Royal British Legion, recites the Act of Remembrance and the Kohima Epitaph.
Collections for the Royal British Legion will be held throughout the evening by members of the St Johns Branch of the British Legion, 214 (Worcestershire) Battery RA and 187 (City of Worcester) Squadron ATC.
Carol Hart, head of Warriors Community Foundation said: “Worcester Warriors supports the work of the British Legion locally and nationally and Friday’s match gives us the opportunity to stand silent and remember everyone who gave the ultimate sacrifice, those on the home front and the survivors who rebuilt our country and made today possible.”
