MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
News Release (142/2007) issued by The Government News Network on 27
June 2007
Today the second
annual Veterans' Day will be marked across the country in a
series of events. The events will celebrate the contribution made
by our veterans of all ages in conflicts both past and present and
remember those who did not return.
Large-scale events will take place in Birmingham and Greenwich to
mark Veterans' Day. As part of the celebrations, Veterans
Minister Derek Twigg will announce a further extension to the
eligibility for the HM Armed Forces and UK Merchant Seafarers
Veteran's Badges. Veterans who served up to 31 December 1994
can now apply for the free Veteran's Badge.
Mr Twigg will be visiting the events in both Birmingham and
Greenwich where he will present a number of former Service
personnel with their Veteran's Badges.
He said:
"I am delighted to be involved in today's
Veterans' Day celebrations and to present badges to some of
our many veterans who all deserve recognition for serving their country.
"Veterans are a diverse group. But what they have in common
is that they have served our country with pride, they have
honoured their commitment to defend its interests and they have
made a major contribution to the wellbeing of our nation.
"Veterans' Day is our chance to recognise the
achievements of those veterans who live amongst us in our communities."
The HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge was launched in May 2004
and since then its availability has been gradually extended from
the First and Second World War veterans, to whom it was initially
issued, to successive generations of veterans so that all may be
united under one badge.
The UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran's Badge was introduced, in
2006, as a special version of the HM Armed Forces Veteran's
Badge to reflect their unique relationship with the Armed Forces
over the years.
Veterans who served at any time up to 31 December 1994 can now
apply for a Veteran's Badge from the Service Personnel and
Veterans Agency.
The National Veterans' Day event is taking place in
Birmingham where the city council has planned a five day programme
of activities. Birmingham's bid to stage the National
Veterans' Day event was chosen ahead of strong applications
from other UK towns including Blackpool, Nottingham and Weymouth.
The Ministry of Defence is hosting a family event including
interactive displays and entertainment at Greenwich in London. The
celebrations will conclude with the "Not Forgotten"
Association's concert. This will be broadcast live via
screens in the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College. Household
names including Englebert Humperdinck, The Drifters and Rolf
Harris are all performing in the concert.
Notes to Editors
1. Veterans' Day events are taking place across the UK in
the coming weeks. Details of the events can be found on the
Veterans website http://www.veterans-uk.info/veteransday/index.htm
2. Interviews with Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne and
Minister for Veterans Derek Twigg are available for the media
between 18:30 - 19:00 at Greenwich. Veterans due to receive their
badges from Mr Twigg may also be available for comment. Any media
interested in attending the Greenwich event should contact the
Press Office in advance.
3. Applications for the HM Armed Forces Veteran's Badge
detailing, name, address, date of birth, service number, period of
service and theatres of service should be sent to Veterans
Services, Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA), Norcross,
Blackpool, FY5 3WP.
4. Applications for the UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran's
Badge detailing, name, address, date of birth, Discharge Book
number, periods and theatres of service should be sent to either
the Merchant Navy Association, 9 Saxon Way, Caistor, Market Rasen,
LN7 6SG or Federation of Merchant Mariners, 16 Glebe Road,
Brampton, Huntingdon, PE28 4PH.
5. Further information on the Veteran's Badges, along with
help and advice on any issue affecting veterans' lives, can
be obtained from the free national veterans helpline 0800 169 2277
or website http://www.veterans-uk.info.
7.For further information visit the website http://www.mod.uk.