Brave men and women of the armed forces across Manchester are having their efforts rewarded and invited to claim a veterans’ badge to mark their dedicated service at a prestigious ceremony in November.
The badge was introduced in 2004 to pay respected to those who have served their country in the HM Armed Forces which includes Volunteer and Regular Reserves.
Salford and Eccles MP Hazel Blears is urging veterans in Manchester to apply for the badge to get in touch which will be presented to them at a special Veterans’ Ceremony held every November at the Pendleton Royal British Legion on Langworthy Road.
The ceremony provides veterans with the chance to meet other ex-forces personnel and share stories and memories.
Ms Blears said: “There are many unsung heroes who have served our country but who have received little or no recognition. Some have even put their lives on the line.
“Whatever their role, they deserve our thanks, and ought to be proud of their service.
“I would therefore urge anyone in Salford or Eccles who has served in the forces to get in touch so I can help them to apply for a Veterans’ Badge.
“It is something they can wear with pride, both as a mark of their service and a token of our appreciation.”
Albert Morris, 78, from Pendlebury received his Veterans’ Badge last year after serving in the 11th Hussars regiment from 1954-57, including in Malaya.
He said: “I’m very proud of my badge and I wear it all the time.
“I got a lot of comments from people saying ‘that’s brilliant what you did’.
“I would definitely encourage other people who have served their country to apply for the badge.
“I don’t think ex-forces personnel here get enough recognition and there are a lot of people out there who do not have the badge.”
If you would like to apply for the badge, contact Ms Blears’ office on 0161 925 0705.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
