Rangers are honoured to welcome a number of armed forces veterans to Ibrox, as well as representatives from PoppyScotland and each branch of the services.
A wreath laying ceremony will be held at the John Greig statue attended by representatives from Rangers Football Club, the Rangers Charity Foundation, Royal Navy, Army and RAF, the American military charity Tragedy Assistance Programme for Survivors (TAPS) and PoppyScotland.
The Rangers Charity Foundation is hosting a can collection at the stadium tomorrow for PoppyScotland. This year the Scottish Poppy Appeal is highlighting the extraordinary service of our Armed Forces, who are willing to risk everything to protect us, no matter the cost.
Please support our Armed Forces community, past and present, by wearing a poppy and donating to the Scottish Poppy Appeal. By doing so, you will be helping PoppyScotland provide life-changing support for the Armed Forces community in Scotland, including funding services in relation to advice, employment, housing, mental health, and mobility.
The Rangers Charity Foundation has supported PoppyScotland over many years via its Armed Forces Fund and matchday collections, helping it to carry out this vital work with veterans.
Gordon Michie, Head of Fundraising for Poppyscotland said: "Our Armed Forces do remarkable things to protect us and our way of life. Wearing a poppy is a way to show you care and that their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten. We are grateful to Rangers Football Club and their ever-generous supporters for their donations at today’s match, money will make a life-changing difference to our Armed Forces community and ensure our veterans receive the help and support they urgently need."
Immediately prior to kick-off tomorrow there will be a minute's silence to mark the passing of all those who have lost their life defending our country. Army personnel from 207 (City of Glasgow) Battery, part of 105 Regiment Royal Artillery, will be firing an L118 light gun to mark the beginning and end of the minute’s silence. We would ask all supporters to stand, if they are able to do so, to honour our fallen.
Veteran Stewart Duthie and Rangers Charity Foundation staff member Derek Rhoddan, who is also an army veteran, will lead out the teams today along with two sailors, two soldiers and two airmen. We also have distinguished guests in the Director’s Box including the Royal Navy’s Commander Gary Farmer and POPT Peter Oswald, Major Robert Crawford and Staff Sergeant Lee McGill from the Army and Corporal Fraser MacIndeor and Corporal Robbie Grant from the RAF.
The Rangers first team will wear special commemorative poppy shirts, the majority of which will be donated to services related charities as well as the Rangers Charity Foundation’s Armed Forces Fund, to raise further funds for serving personnel and veterans.