Still time to join Cenotaph March Past on Remembrance Sunday
Veterans not affiliated with a military association can this year apply to attend the March Past at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday for the first time.
Applications to secure a place in the march on Sunday 12 November close on Friday (29 September).
The annual event is at the centre of Remembrance weekend activities and will see up to 10,000 veterans march past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, central London, in honour of the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in the British Armed Forces.
Applicants wishing to march will be asked to provide proof of their service via one of the methods listed in the application form, such as the UK Armed Forces Veteran ID Card.
Before the latest policy change by the Royal British Legion (RBL), veterans who were not part of a regimental, unit, or service association could not participate in the event, and only members of associations could apply.
In a bid to get the widest cross-section of the Armed Forces community, the eligibility has been changed.
'Significant occasion'
Philippa Rawlinson, director of Remembrance at the RBL, says: "This Remembrance Sunday, we want to encourage many more veterans to join us at the March Past to mark this significant occasion.
"That's why this year those who are not members of military associations are able to apply to take part for the first time.
"There are still a few spaces available so we would encourage all veterans interested to register as soon as possible as applications close tomorrow.
"You can find out more information about how to apply on our website here."
Plastic-free poppy
The poppy has been a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future since the First World War.
This year's new poppy, available from October 2023, will be plastic-free and made of recyclable paper for the first time since it was introduced 102 years ago.
It will be made from an innovative blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources and can be recycled in ordinary paper recycling collections.
To assess the environmental impact of the new poppy, and ensure its sustainability, the RBL worked with experts at University College London (UCL).
The RBL said: "The plastic-free poppy will be available alongside remaining stocks of the current poppy to reduce any waste of poppies already produced, and can be fastened with a pin or inserted into a buttonhole."
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