THE regimental band of the Royal Welsh regiment led a military parade through Newport today, at a special event bestowing the freedom of the city on the Royal British Legion (RBL).
Today marks the launch of the 2021 Poppy Appeal, and this year's campaign falls in the centenary year of the Legion, the charity which has supported generations of armed forces members and their families.
In recognition of the charity's 100 years of service, Newport City Council awarded the Legion the freedom of the city at a service held at the D-Day Memorial in High Street.
Dignitaries including the mayor, the council leader, the city's MPs and the High Sheriff and the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwent were in attendance to mark the occasion.
The council's chief executive, Beverly Owen, read out the freedom scroll before the council leader, Jane Mudd, addressed the parade.
Mayor David Williams then handed the scroll to Lieutenant Colonel MJ Harry DL, President of the Gwent Royal British Legion, and after the ceremony, parade commander Peter Colsey requested permission to exercise the Legion’s right to parade through the City of Newport.
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The Royal Welsh band and corps of drums then played the British and Welsh national anthems, before leading the parade through the city to the tune of Men of Harlech.
As they made their way from High Street along Commercial Street, they were watched by crowds of people who had turned out to witness the occasion and pay their respects to the charity.
"The freedom of the city of Newport has been awarded less than 20 times in more than 100 years, so this is a momentous day for us all," Cllr Mudd said.
"Newport is proud of its close association with the RBL and this is a fitting tribute to an organisation that has given such long and loyal service.
"On behalf of the city council and its citizens, it gives me enormous pleasure to congratulate the RBL on its centenary and to thank all those involved, particularly its volunteers in Newport, for all they have done and all they continue to do for service people and their families."
Mike Jones, the Poppy Appeal coordinator for Gwent, said: "It's an honour to have this given to the Royal British Legion in recognition of the work it has done.
"The Legion has been part of the fabric of society for 100 years, and although its work has changed, it's still going strong."
Watch our Facebook Live video of today's event here:
Antony Metcalfe, the Legion's area manager for Wales, said the charity was delighted to be awarded the freedom of the city.
"It’s such an honour to be recognised for our tireless work that supports the Armed Forces community in Newport and the rest of Wales," he added. "The 2021 Poppy Appeal has now begun, so we’re encouraging all members of the public to go out and find their local collector to purchase their poppy and wear it with pride."
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