NEARLY 100 years ago Lord Kitchener, the then prime minister of England, our great country, asked for volunteers to join and fight the Kaiser of Germany.

The call was answered far and wide from men working the coal mines, mills and every walk of life.

The men from Salford and surrounding areas of Manchester, Liverpool, St Helens and many, many more localities were known as The Salford Pals.

Many were brothers, cousins, fathers and sons. They wore a badge called “The Lancashire Fusiliers xx”. They later added to the badge a primrose hackle.

These men from 1914 were very proud of their regiment and although disbanded in the 1960s, they are still highly recognised by the grandsons and in some cases great grandsons who succeeded them. We say “Once a fusilier always a fusilier.”

The greatest honour we hold was seven VCs before breakfast — “Unfortunately the cook overslept.” We stand proud in the city. In September 1947 we were given the freedom of the city.

On November 11, 2009, the last of the Pals of Salford men of The Lancashire Fusiliers xx will reunite. Seventy men in total will gather for the very last time.

These men will proudly parade down The Crescent on the Cenotaph of Salford to say thank you to all those people who fought and fell, not only The Lancashire Fusiliers but civilians, and members of the Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance Service and all who stood proud against all odds to protect our great country.

So the time has come for the Pals of Salford not to say goodbye but to stand at ease as the end of the road is drawing near for many of the Pals of Salford, The men of The Lancashrie Fusiliers.

So why not join us for this final heartfelt parade and allow us to say good night and God bless?

Colin Dunning Worsley