One of our parishioners, Edwin Gould, is hosting two Chelsea Pensioners over Remembrance Day weekend. Look out for them on Saturday November 11th at l’Arc de Triomphe. They are likely to be the only two dressed in Scarlet and wearing tricorne hats.
The British Legion Remembrance Day programme includes visits to schools, a ceremony at the tomb of Maréchal Foch on the 10th November, the ceremony at l’Arc de Triomphe at 11 o’clock on Saturday, 11th November, lunch and a tour of Les Invalides.
 At 4pm on the 11th they will attend the traditional English-speaking ecumenical service at Notre Dame Cathedral, organised by the Paris branch of the Royal British Legion and attended by British and Commonwealth ambassadors, defence attachés, and other diplomats.  It is very impressive service and, in these years of many 100th anniversaries of significant battles of the Great War, more poignant than ever. You are encouraged to attend.
Unfortunately the demands on the Royal British Legion are not decreasing. As the service population has diminished in size, the natural recruiting pool is smaller, which means the task of helping servicemen and women in need, who are from a much larger service population, is increasingly difficult. The recent Invictus Games is a reminder that even today servicemen and women scarred by war need our help.
Anyone can join the British Legion, whether or not you’ve been in the service and regardless of your nationality. All are very welcome! If you are interested, please join us at St Luke’s Fontainebleau and ask to speak with Edwin, or contact us and we will put you in touch with him. Tax relief is possible for French tax payers.
In the meantime you can help by contributing to the Poppy Appeal.  Poppies will be available in at St Luke’s Church Fontainebleau on Sundays leading up to St Luke’s Remembrance Service on the 12th November.  This is what the Legion has to say regarding the 2017 appeal:
“The Royal British Legion is asking the nation to Rethink Remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community, past and present. By wearing a poppy, you aren’t just remembering the fallen: you’re supporting a new generation of veterans and Service personnel that need our support.” www.britishlegion.org.uk/poppy-appeal-2017/

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