Mark welcomes Veterans Minister to Preston
22 Jul 2009
Mark welcomed Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, Kevan Jones MP to Preston at the weekend. The Minister had been invited to a special event to award HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to honour the city’s past service men and women.
Mark opened the ceremony with a speech. He said: “As the Member of Parliament for Preston I feel proud to honour you today for your courage and commitment. This garrison town has a long and proud military history dating back over three hundred years. From the American War of Independence to today’s operations in Afghanistan, the men and women of Preston have served in every major conflict our nation has been engaged in. It is perhaps no surprise then that Preston is home to one of the largest and most active veteran’s communities in the country.”
He went on to add: “It is your bravery and dedication to duty that has built the renowned and respected reputation of the British Army. You have served us all without question, whether keeping the peace, providing support in a disaster area or fighting in a conflict zone. You are men and women of different generations and backgrounds who have made sacrifices civilians like myself cannot imagine - to protect the peace and prosperity that many of us take for granted. All of you deserve our respect and our gratitude for the exceptional duties you have carried out.
Behind every service man and woman is a network of support – mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, children and friends - who I know provide immeasurable care to our veterans and serving personnel. So too do the many organisations who provide respected guidance and advice for our veterans community.”
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones MP added: “This is my first time in Preston and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have attended and presented at many similar events, but this has been the best organised and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the organisers and all the volunteers who helped on the day.”
Veterans were presented with their badges by the Minister looked on by friends and family members who were also invited to join in the celebrations. Over 100 people attended the event and refreshments which were kindly donated by the The Co-operative Society, were later served at the nearby Harris Museum.
Preston City Council have unveiled plans to install a plaque at the Cenotaph to remember those who have fallen since World War Two are their names will also be listed in the Harris Museum and Library.
Over 70 applications were received by the MP’s office and it is still possible for individuals to apply if they think they might be eligible to receive the badge. Please telephone Mark Hendrick MP’s Constituency Office to request an application form.
The badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces including the Volunteers and Regular Reserves, and to war widows and widowers who are in receipt of a War Pension. There are no limitations on the duration of service nor on where or when an individual might have served