WE’RE proud to welcome over 150 armed services personnel as part of our annual Armed Forces Day celebrations to honour the brave men and women of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF to Ibrox for tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership clash against Motherwell.
Rangers and the Rangers Charity Foundation have a proud tradition of supporting our troops, with the Foundation donating over £251,000 in cash to armed forces and veterans’ charities to date, as well as significant in-kind support to a range of charities including Erskine, SSAFA, Combat Stress and Poppyscotland.
The celebrations will begin outside the stadium, with community engagement activities in the Argyle Car Park from 12 noon.
The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals will also provide some pre-match entertainment at Edmiston House from 14:00 to 14:30, as well as on the pitch at half-time.
Just before kick-off, Pipe Major Scott Methven, former piper to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, will play on the technical area and a representative from each branch of the armed services will lead out the teams as they enter the pitch.
Personnel from the Royal Marines will abseil into the stadium from the Broomloan Road Stand, Copland Road Stand and Sandy Jardine Stand before handing the match ball over to the referee.
Children nominated via the Rangers Charity Foundation’s partnership with Tragedy Assistance Programme for Survivors (TAPS) will be today’s mascots.
Twins Molly and Lillian Blais, surviving daughters of Master Sergeant Scott Blais, and Elizabeth and Isabelle Bovington, surviving daughters of Royal Navy Leading Naval Nurse Thomas Bovington, will walk onto the pitch with the players.
At half-time, armed forces representatives, alongside representatives from the club and Foundation, will raise a Rangers Armed Forces Day banner on the pitch.
There will also be half-time entertainment from the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals.
As well as welcoming around 150 troops to the stands, the club is also playing host to representatives from each branch of the armed services in the Directors’ Box.
Fans will be able to support the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Armed Forces Fund via a can collection outside the stadium before the game.
This season the fund is aiming to raise £10,000 to be split between two services-related charities – Forces Children Scotland and Tragedy Assistance Programme for Survivors.
Rangers Head Coach, Barry Ferguson, said: “We are delighted to welcome the three services to Ibrox as we acknowledge the huge contribution and sacrifice they make on our behalf.
“I know our supporters will give all of our special guests the warm welcome they deserve and they will help create a unique atmosphere today.”
Captain Jason Craig, the Royal Regiment of Scotland, commented: “Yet again the armed forces community is honoured for the recognition shown from Rangers Football Club and the Rangers Charity Foundation.
“We are so grateful for the support shown to all who serve and have served, whether regular or reserve, cadet or veteran, and we all look forward to the annual Armed Forces Day held at Ibrox Stadium.
“The funds the Rangers Charity Foundation has raised over the years to support service and veterans’ charities has made such a difference to so many.
“The stadium tours and merchandise donated to further assist fundraising events and the advocacy with partner organisations, suppliers and the support itself has such a positive impact to all those involved in defence.
“The armed forces community looks forward to this special event which is reflective of the commitment that the club and Foundation have in supporting the forces community.”