History of the Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity.
The Royal British Legion has been helping Service people past and present for 90 years, and although their needs have changed over that time the need for our work is as vital as ever. We spend nearly £1.4 million a week carrying out our support services, and our services are flexible and wide-ranging. From helping a young widow through an inquest to ensuring that an older veteran can stay independent in their own home, we’re here to help.
We are also one of the country’s largest membership organisations, with about 370,000 members nationwide, and a further 11,000 overseas. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether or not they have served in the Armed Forces.
This year, as always, British troops have been posted to some of the world’s most dangerous trouble spots, and they may need our help in the future. The Legion is the major voice for Service and ex-Service people throughout the year. We campaign and lobby on a wide range of issues, including mental and physical health, housing and homelessness, and community and adult care. Our aim is to continuously improve the support provided for veterans and their dependants of all ages.
We are custodians of Remembrance, ensuring that those who gave their lives for the freedom we enjoy today are always remembered. We are responsible for the Two Minute Silence on Remembrance Sunday and 11 November, bringing Remembrance into the national calendar. We also organise the annual Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and assist with the march past at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.