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Standard Bearers are often invited to attend at funerals for past members of the Association or other service organisations and they lead the coffin in to what is a very moving experience.

The Exhortation is recited: They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. We will remember them.

What are the criteria of eligibility in Standard Bearer Competitions? Each competitor must be a fully paid-up member of The Royal British Legion / Royal British Legion Women's Section / Youth member (as appropriate) of at least 3 months' standing and must be a member of the Branch which made the original entry.

On formal parade occasions Legion members should be appropriately dressed. There is a general consensus that ideally each member present should wear a dark suit/blazer [or for Women's Section a suit or dress, overcoat (if necessary) hat (preferably)], black shoes, etc.

Standard bearers were paid more money, but they also had other duties. For instance, they acted as bankers, looking after the savings of soldiers kept in the strong-room of the Headquarters. Standard bearers had the important role of carrying standards (spears with various symbols on them).

membership is open to everyone who shares the values of the Legion to support the Armed Forces Community.

Membership starts from only £18 a year and is open to everyone.

A standard-bearer, also known as a flag-bearer is a person (soldier or civilian) who bears an emblem known as a standard or military colours, i.e. either a type of flag or an inflexible but mobile image, which is used (and often honoured) as a formal, visual symbol of a state, prince, military unit, etc.