Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning presented badges to 64 armed forces veterans at the British Legion Club on Thursday 5th March.
Veterans and their families were welcomed to the event by Peter Taylor, Chairman of the Club. Chairman of the Hemel Hempstead Branch of the Royal British Legion, Royal Navy veteran Peter Gibbons, acted as Master of Ceremonies.
Mike said:
“I am delighted to be able to present these badges to recognise those who have served our country. I am committed to raising the profile of our serving armed forces and our veterans. We are forever in the debt of these men and women who have fought – and are still fighting – for our freedom and our country.”
Mike, who has chosen the Hemel Branch as his Charity of the Year, also presented cheques totalling £700 to the Branch to help its work supporting veterans and those serving in the military in welfare matters. Most of the money had been donated by the Daily Express (£500) for an article Mike wrote about his former captain from the 1st Battalion the Grenadier Guards, Capt Robert Nairac GC, who was murdered in Northern Ireland in 1977 and whose body has never been found.
Mike added:
“It was a very enjoyable evening and I thank the Club and Branch for their support and hospitality. Many of the recipients have incredible stories to tell such as 93-year-old Mr Arthur John Fowler who was in the RAMC and spent years as a Prisoner of War at Changi, Singapore.”
The veterans badge is available to anyone who has served in the armed forces. Badges are also available for the Merchant Navy, Women’s Land Army and Women’s Timber Corps and Bevin Boys although to qualify for these badges the recipient must have served during wartime.
For further information about how to claim a veteran’s badge, call Mike’s constituency office 01442 450444.
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