The Royal British Legion is marking the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War with its greatest campaign of remembrance.
It’s asking the British people to pay tribute to each and every one of the 1,117,077 Commonwealth men and women who died, using Every Man Remembered, a huge online database.
Stephen Clarke, the Legion’s Head of Remembrance, explains: “You can look up a family member, namesake, or make a random search – the important thing is that not a single one of them is left without a dedication and recognition of the role they played in providing the freedom we have today.”
“The support The Royal British Legion provides is just as important for our armed forces today as it was when the charity was founded after the First World War. Every Man Remembered will help us make a real connection to those who died 100 years ago and support those who continue to serve.
By entering their name and town, visitors to the site can find family members who died, or connect with someone who shares their name, age, workplace, birthday or hometown.
The fallen can then be commemorated with a personal dedication. Donors to The Royal British Legion will receive a special commemorative certificate.
The campaign is being run with the support of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. It incorporates Every Woman Remembered, dedicated to the 800 women in the records of the CWGC who died in the First World War.
Every Man Remembered was inspired by a British Explorer Scout’s visit to Tyne Cot Commonwealth Cemetery, near Ypres in Belgium. On returning home, she wrote to the Legion asking why some of the dead had dozens of poppies and crosses next to their graves, while others had none.
The Every Man Remembered site can be found here
Source: The Royal British Legion
Images: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News