Lindy Allen, THE BAJAN LEGION (People)

The Bajan Legion The Barbados Legion, locally known as the Bajan Legion, was formed after World War I at the instigation of Field Marshall Earl Haigh and General Smuts. The aim of the Legion was “that by charitable means to seek to ensure that no ex-serviceman or woman shall be without help if in need”. The Barbados Legion has a membership of approximately 500, including pensioners and widows, who are given a monthly allowance. Each Remembrance Sunday, the Legionnaires who are able to do so go on the Parade, while the others sit during the ceremony. Afterwards, they go the Barbados Defence Force where they mix and chat with each other as well as with the Governor General and the Prime Minister and enjoy a luncheon laid on for them by the Legion Council at the Main Guard. The photographer was in Barbados researching her family origins on the island, which date back to the mid-1600s, and decided to attend Remembrance Day as a mark of respect for her grandfather who served in WW1. The pride with which this former soldier wears his badges of honour are not unlike those who wear tattoos for similar reasons.

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