Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, presented over 30 veterans badges on Thursday (22nd July). The informal ceremony was held at the Royal British Legion Club in Queensway.

The evening was opened by Club Chairman Roy Luxton and Chairman of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion, Royal Navy veteran Peter Gibbons, acted as Master of Ceremonies.

Deputy Mayor of Dacorum, Cllr Gillian Chapman, also attended and received a veterans badge for her service in the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service.

In addition to the veterans badges for those who have served their country in the Armed Forces, Mike also presented a special badge to Keith Simpson who was called up as a Bevin Boy.

Mike also presented a long-overdue Suez Medal to Oliver Bennett of the RAF.

Mike said:
“I am very proud that we have presented over 400 of these badges to veterans from Hemel Hempstead at a number of these presentation evenings. Many of our veterans have incredible stories to tell and we owe them a great debt.

“The work of our armed forces is in our thoughts more than ever at the moment, especially here in Hemel after local Marine, Matthew Harrison, died in Afghanistan last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

If you served in the forces – in wartime or peacetime – you are entitled to a veterans badge. An application form can be downloaded from Mike’s website www.penning4hemel.com [1] or call his office on 01442 450444.

Photo: Veterans Badge Presentation (Photo Courtesy of Silver Images www.silver-images.net [2])

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