MP calls for veterans to come forward
29th October 2010
Mike Penning has made a call for all veterans of the armed forces to sign up for an Armed Forces Veterans Badge.
The MOD launched the veterans badge in 2004 to raise the profile and encourage wider appreciation and recognition of our forces veterans. Since then large numbers of veterans have come forward to receive one but still many more have not.
The badge recognises the commitment and dedication of our ex-servicemen and women. You do not need to have fought in wartime; anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces, including the Volunteer and Regular Reserves is eligible.
Mike said:
“This scheme is about paying respect to anyone who has served in the forces. I believe that everyone who has served their country should be recognised for having done so and should be able to wear something on a day-to-day basis. They don’t have to have been to war, just to have served.
“I therefore urge all Dacorum’s veterans to come forward and claim this badge.
“This is another way in which veterans can show their support – for each other and for those currently serving in the military in Afghanistan. In other countries there is a large support network for serving troops and I believe it is time to replicate some of that here.”
Special badges are also available for those who served in World War II in the Merchant Navy, the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps and for Bevin Boys.
Also, on Sunday 14th November Mike will be joining local Councillors and other local representatives at the Remembrance Day Parade – the first involving officers and cadets from RAF Halton. Dacorum Borough Council granted the freedom of the Borough to RAF Halton in the past year.
The Remembrance Day march led by RAF Halton will leave the Bandstand in Marlowes at 10.30am.
Veterans Badge Form
To obtain a form you can visit Mike’s website www.penning4hemel.com or http://www.penning4hemel.com/downloads/veterans_application_form.pdf or call his office on 01442 450444.
