Sharon held her second Veterans'
Day event at the Washington Arts Centre.
It was great
to get as many Veterans and ex Bevin Boys as possible together to
share memories of their service to this country. We often think of
Veterans as the older generation who fought in the two world wars,
but the day served to remind people that a Veteran can be any age
from 18 to 110. We owe them all a huge debt of gratitude for
securing the peace, freedom and prosperity of this
country.
The Bevin Boys played a crucial
role during the war years. Not only did they help us to win the war
but they also helped us to rebuild the country once the war was
over.
Constituents
who are eligible for either the Veterans' or the Bevin Boys' badges
can still apply through the constituency office. Tel. 0191 469
7844
Welcoming guests to the
event Sharon said:
"Good Afternoon and welcome to our second annual Veterans’ Day
celebration. It is wonderful to see so many people here to share
memories and stories of time spent serving our nation in the Armed
Forces
Following the success of Veterans Awareness
Week in July 2005, which culminated in the celebrations of the 60
Anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Government
decided to hold an annual Veterans Day on 27 June. Veterans Day is
a celebration of all who have served in the Armed Forces and who
live and work amongst us today as well as another opportunity to
remember those who do not. I hope that this tradition will continue
long into the future."
"I’m delighted to be presenting 3 badges today
to constituents who served across Europe.
I
know that there are many of you here who received your badges last
year and helped to make it such a memorable day. Unfortunately I
cannot give out a new badge each year but today provides a welcome
opportunity to meet again.
"We are of
course a nation at war and it is only right that at times we stop
and think about the great personal bravery of our Armed Forces:
their discipline and duty; their fierce loyalty to their comrades;
and their determination to protect the innocent.
"These are the very best of
British qualities that over the years we have come to associate
with our Armed Forces. On Veterans' Day we as a nation mark the
service and sacrifice of all our veterans from across the decades
and pay tribute to their service and their contribution to
society.
"Those who
are not with us today either through duty or through death have
always been prepared to stand up for Britain and our ideals and
values across the world. As a nation we should never forget what
they have done.
"Last week I attended the
funeral of Private Nathan Cuthbertson in Sunderland. He died
fighting for our national security in Afghanistan and it is
important that as we remember the contributions of those who served
in the past we remember those whose lives are at risk in the
present.
"I hope that
this afternoon will give you all a chance to share some stories and
memories, of good times, bad times and even funny times.
"On behalf of the people of
Gateshead and Washington many thanks for all that you have given to
this country and this community."
Veterans' badges presentation Washington
2008
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Sharon Hodgson MP
House of Commons,
London SW1A 0AA
E-mail:
hodgsons@parliament.uk
Constituency
Office Tel. 0191 469 7844
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