MP LAUNCHES 75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS FOR SHIRLEY ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

6.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Apr 2008

Solihull's MP, Lorely Burt was guest of honour at the launch of 75th anniversary celebrations for Shirley Branch of the Royal British Legion recently.

Mrs Burt attended a ceremony held in Shirley library to mark the opening of an exhibition charting the history of the branch. She gave a short address to branch members and representatives of Troop Aid, who help provide welfare and support for all Armed Forces personnel who have been injured in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Shirley Branch members planned a week of activities culminating in the dedication of a new Warwickshire County Standard at a service in St James Church last Sunday.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"The work of the Royal British Legion in supporting Armed Forces personnel past and present is of paramount importance. Without their efforts much of the sacrifice of so many who served their country in conflicts across the globe would be forgotten.

"We all owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Royal British Legion; to those who served in past conflicts and to others who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice today."