Get your badge, veterans urged
2 June 2008
As Manchester plans to honour people who served their country with National Veterans’ Day Celebrations at the end of the month, city leaders urge all who qualify to apply for their veteran’s badge.
"The badge was introduced as a symbol of veterans' service to the nation and to help everyone recognise and value them," said Councillor Val Stevens, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council.
"Veterans range from those in their twenties who have served in the Forces recently to some of the oldest-surviving ex-Service men and women and those who have worked in support of fighting forces.
"We'd like as many Manchester veterans as possible to apply for their badges and hope to present some of them at a special ceremony on Veterans' Day. The local offices of the Royal British Legion can help with the simple process of applying for a badge."
The badge is an enamelled, engraved and pinned lapel badge featuring the words "HM Armed Forces - Veteran", which encompass the Tri-Service anchor, crossed swords and eagle motif.
Veterans looking for help to apply for their badge should contact the Royal British Legion office in Manchester on 0161 831 0323. The office is staffed Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm.
They'll need to know your name, address, date of birth, service number and details of the service you were in. You'll also be asked to give your permission to have the badge presented to you at a ceremony.
Chris Makinson, the Royal British Legion's County Chairman for Greater Manchester, said: "Anyone with any length of service is a veteran and qualifies for a badge, so we want everyone who qualifies to apply for one.
"If veterans apply through our office we'll be able to arrange for their badges to be issued in time for Veterans' Day on 27 June and we'll also be able to consider them as representatives of veterans from across the city to take part in the presentation ceremony.
"Many veterans have gone on to lead very productive and useful lives after leaving the Services, with lots of them working in the emergency services, the prison service and other public service roles.
"Others are less fortunate and need support after leaving the Services, which is where the Royal British Legion comes in. Our role includes providing practical help for veterans but we can also be there for them if they need a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear."
National Veterans' Day Celebrations in Manchester on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 June will mark the contribution made by all those who have served in HM Armed Forces (including National Servicemen and Reservists) whatever their age, background or service experience.
On Friday 27 June, a special service at Manchester Cathedral will be followed by a parade to Albert Square.
On Saturday 28 June, Castlefield will host a FREE outdoor celebration with live music, family entertainment, information stalls, activities and more. For more information visit http://www.manchesterlive.co.uk/
For more information on national celebrations of Veterans' Day and details of how to apply for a veteran's badge online visit http://www.veterans-uk.info/
Media contact: Martin Hellewell, tel 0161 234 3729.
