The Royal British Legion Endorses 'The New National Memorial Engine' - March 2009
The LMS-Patriot Project, the Charitable Company which has started building a new ‘Patriot’ steam locomotive - 45551 ‘THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR’ is pleased to announce that it has received official endorsement from The Royal British Legion.
After high level meetings in London, The Royal British Legion has endorsed the LMS-Patriot Project’s aim of creating the new National Memorial engine. This is an extremely important step for the LMS-Patriot Project, which was launched in April 2008, as it enables the Project to be promoted on a national level bringing it to a wider audience. The Royal British Legion’s endorsement will also enable fundraising to be stepped up which is vital for the Project’s aim of building the new ‘Patriot’ by 2018 – the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice.
David Bradshaw, Chairman of the LMS-Patriot Project said, “We’re delighted that The Royal British Legion has endorsed our aim of creating the new ‘Patriot’ National Memorial engine. Our partnership with the Legion will enable us to spread our message to a larger audience who will hopefully support the creation of the new ‘Patriot’”.
Stuart Gendall, The Legion’s Director of Corporate Communications added, “I’m delighted that The Royal British Legion is involved with the LMS-Patriot Project. A new National Memorial Engine Project is something that the Royal British Legion is proud to endorse and I look forward to working with the LMS-Patriot Project in creating this exciting new engine”.
The LMS-Patriot Project will also work The Royal British Legion to promote the educational aspects of the project and the important role the railways played in the war effort. A new generation of school children will learn about the importance of Britain’s railways and how Memorial Engines were built by Railway Companies in Remembrance of their employees who fought and died in the Great War.
