Shaftesbury Veterans’ Parade marks Armed Forces Day

Robert Walter MP (North Dorset) will join veterans, cadets and civic dignitaries at Bell Street (Somerfield) car park for the start of the Shaftesbury Veterans’ Parade this Sunday (28 June).

At the invitation of Shaftesbury British Legion Chairman, Wilfred Readman, Bob Walter MP will join the parade that takes place this year under the banner of the first official Armed Forces Day on 27 June. Supporters will walk from Somerfield car park to the War Memorial at Park Walk.

Bob will lay a wreath at the War Memorial “on behalf of the people of Dorset” in recognition of the dedication of our service men and women, past, present and future. Wreaths will also be laid by, amongst others, the British Legion, veterans of Gillingham and Shaftesbury, and in remembrance of Women’s Services and the civilian population whose sacrifices are often forgotten.

Incorporated into Armed Forces Day, the Veterans’ Parade will now be an annual fixture in Shaftesbury.

An exhibition will also be open to the public at Shaftesbury Town Hall from 11.30am giving details of the history and work of the British Legion. Here, as part of the Poppy Appeal for which members will be fund raising on the day, visitors will get the chance to see the Poppy Man. This life-size creation of wire and poppies has already toured much of the UK and has helped to highlight this long running and still vital appeal.

Bob said, “It is always an honour to be able to lay a wreath of remembrance on such occasions, and in particular when it is on behalf of the people Dorset. I look forward to taking part in Sunday’s event.

“The idea of the new Armed Forces Day is to give the nation as a whole the chance to unite in a show of support for our service men and woman – those who have served in the Great Wars and those who continue to serve us today in the dangerous theatresof Iraq and Afghanistan.

 “It is an event in which schools, communities, churches groups and many others can take part, and will play an important role in helping our younger generations to understand and continue to respect the dedication of and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.

“These men and woman, not to mention their families, deserve the unstinting support of the British people, and this new annual event is a great way for us to show it. I’m sure it will grow year on year.”