Sunderland AFC will continue its long-standing support for armed forces charities at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.
Serving military personnel from the Army, Royal Navy and RAF will be in attendance, as well veterans’ groups and representatives from 8 Rifles, the Military Preparation College For Training, Veterans in Crisis Sunderland and the Foundation of Light.
Approximately 20 minutes prior to kick-off, military personnel will undertake a parade around the pitch and form a guard of honour as both teams take to the field.
Staff Sergeant Chris Gee [5th Regiment Royal Artillery, The Yorkshire Gunners], Ger Fowler [Chief Executive Officer, VIC Sunderland] and a cadet from the MPCT will then come together to lay a poppy wreath in the centre circle, representing the military’s past, present and future.
Following the sounding of the Last Post, a minute's silence will be held ahead of kick-off to commemorate the sacrifices of servicemen and women in conflicts past and present.
Sunderland goalkeeper L. R. Roose died at the Battle of the Somme and his life, and that of six other former SAFC players killed in action in the first and second world wars, is commemorated in a monument by the stadium’s west stand.
The memorial also recognises and pays tribute to all those killed in the line of duty and a Remembrance wreath will be placed at the monument by club representatives ahead of tomorrow’s fixture.
Foundation of Light will also be marking this year’s Remembrance Commemorations by lighting the Beacon of Light red from Tuesday 9 November to Sunday 14 November.
In partnership with VIC Sunderland, and through funding provided by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, over 20 families took part in Remembrance activities over half-term, including creating a dedicated Remembrance display at the Beacon of Light.
In partnership with SAFC, the FoL will also be hosting a special business networking event on 11 November at the Beacon of Light, which includes speakers from the Ministry of Defence and displays from students at the Military Preparation College based at the BoL.
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