MP Honours Veterans
Monday 19th November 2007
On Friday Labour MP Des Browne hosted another successful Veterans Badge presentation ceremony at the Air Training Corp hall, Kilmarnock.
The local MP was joined by The Lord Lieutenant for Ayrshire and Arran John Duncan who presented HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to ex-servicemen. The event was the 7th ceremony to take place within the constituency which has now seen over 360 veterans being presented with badges. For those who attended the informal ceremony it was also an opportunity to share their own experiences from their time being stationed both at home and abroad with the armed forces.
When first launched The Veterans Badge was originally intended for veterans of the First and Second World Wars. However such was the popularity amongst ex-servicemen that eligibility has been extended to include those who have served at any time up to 31st December 1994. The badge was the first of 3 types of lapel badges now available. The other 2 are the Bevin Boy badge and UK Merchant Seafarers Veteran’s Badge.
Des said:
“I am delighted to be in a position which enables me to organise these events. It is of the utmost importance that we recognise the contribution made by these men and women during their time in the armed services. I and the Lord Lieutenant, John Duncan have now presented over 360 veterans badges and would like to thank him for his commitment. I would also like to pay a special thanks to the Air Training Corp in Kilmarnock for being such excellent hosts.
I would ask that if there are any veterans who live in the Kilmarnock and Loudoun constituency who would like a either a Veterans, Bevin or UK Merchant Seafarers badge to please contact the Parliamentary Advice Centre on 01563 520267.”
