National Veterans Day

Over 150 veterans gathered in the grounds of Northwood House in Cowes on Friday June 27 June to attend a traditional military Drumhead Service and march past with the salute taken by HM Lord-Lieutenant to form part of the Island's Veterans Day celebrations.

This was the third Veterans Day to be celebrated on the Island following its introduction in 2006 by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown. Veterans Day reflects upon the contributions made by all those who have served in the armed forces whilst raising public awareness of veterans issues.

An opportunity for veterans to celebrate their careers and remember their colleagues

As the Veterans gathered on the lawn just outside of Northwood House, former members of the Army, Navy, Royal Marines, Councillors and members of the Church joined them. At 3:45pm the congregation formed a square for the start of the Drumhead Service.

Those present took to their feet as clergy, the Lord Lieutenant, distinguished guests and civic dignitaries took up their positions, led by the Macebearer. Once all the standards had been borne to the parade ground, Medina Marching Band played the National Anthem and the standards were dipped in honour and thanksgiving. The Union Flag was offered to the clergy and placed on the altar drums, therefore marking the start of the Drumhead Service at 4pm. The afternoon's proceedings were based on the traditional services organised by the forces in the field when an altar was improvised by stacking drums on top of one another.

This short service was followed by a march past and cream tea reception inside Northwood House, hosted by the Council Chairman, with the Music Centre's Stage Band providing the ideal accompaniment. The Territorial Army hosted a display tent at Northwood House which attracted a lot of interest from members of the public who were able to watch the service from surrounding Northwood Park.

An acknowledgement of their courage and valour

A veteran is anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces at any time (including National Servicemen and Reservists), in whatever capacity and irrespective of length of service. The focus of Veterans Day is to celebrate both the past and the continuing contributions of veterans living in our communities today. The intention is for Veterans Day to become as familiar and respected as Remembrance Sunday, which remembers and honours those who died serving their country.

Over a hundred UK servicemen and women were killed just recently during the conflict in Afghanistan in their attempt to bring peace and unity to the troubled region. June 27 is our chance to recognise the achievements of those veterans who live among us; both young and old, all of whom have striven to achieve this one common ideal.

Speaking after the ceremony, Chairman Cllr Arthur Taylor said, "It is wonderful to see so many of our veterans here to day taking part in the service and parade. It is important that we show our thanks and gratitude to those who served our country with such courage and valour."

WWII veteran Brian Swift from Shanklin, who has been awarded the prestigious Legion d'honneur said, "It was a lovely service today here in the grounds of Northwood House and was certainly appreciated by all who attended."

The preparations are already underway for next years Veterans Day celebrations, which are to be held at Simeon Street recreation ground in Ryde.

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