Mike Penning presented badges to veterans at presentation ceremony.
Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, presented veterans badges to over 40 local people who have served their country in the armed forces at a ceremony on Thursday 4th March. This was the fifth such ceremony to be held since August 2008.
The veterans badge scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Defence to recognise veterans for their service to Queen and country and to raise the profile of our armed forces.
The presentation ceremony was held at the Royal British Legion Club in Queensway. Up to 120 family and wellwishers were welcomed by Club Chairman Peter Taylor. Chairman of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion, Royal Navy veteran Peter Gibbons, acted as Master of Ceremonies.
The ceremony began with a presentation from the Club to Mike Penning of a framed club badge in recognition of the work that Mike has done in helping to raise the profile and increase membership of the Club. The badge was presented by Club Chairman Peter Taylor and Vice Chairman Bob Tre-Vett.
Mike Penning said:
“I am honoured to present these badges to veterans. I am pleased that I have been able to play a part in increasing the take-up of these badges in Dacorum and urge every veteran to wear their badge regularly and with pride.
“Now, perhaps more than in recent years, it is so important for us to show respect to and recognise the debt we owe to our armed forces – past and present.”
Mike also presented one badge to a lady who served in the Land Army and a rare oakleaf to the son of Sgt T Foy who earned a mention in dispatches in the First World War.
Mike Penning MP also presented the branch with cheques for more than £2,000 – funds which he raised in part by winning the Houses of Parliament Pool Competition and partly as a result of completing questionnaires for lobby organisations.
The veterans badge application form can be downloaded from Mike Penning’s website www.mikepenning.com [1].
Photo: Courtesy Silver Images www.silver-images.net [2]
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