Menu
27/06/2008
Blackpool Celebrates National Veterans' Day
Thousands of people are expected to congregate in Blackpool to recognise the work of Britain's armed forces.
The Duchess of Cornwall will also attend the third annual National Veteran's Day.
Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will also attend.
Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veterans' Week since 2005 and beat four other UK cities to be named the host of the 2008 event.
Today's events are part of a nine-day programme.
Among the events planned for today, the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery will exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool with a march along the promenade, past the tower to the cenotaph, led by WWI veteran, 112-year-old Henry Allingham.
Another highlight will be a Battle of Britain memorial flight over those gathered for the thanksgiving service to be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.
The finale will be marked by a Red Devils parachute drop before a firework display.
The National Veterans' Day was established in 2006 and its purpose is to thank ex servicemen and women for their service.
Falklands veteran Anthony Barlow is to abseil down Blackpool Tower and receive his badge from the Duchess. BBC Correspondent Martin Bell will also be presented with a veterans' badge.
To ensure the day goes to plan, the town has organised an army of 20 Blackpool Ambassadors who will be on hand to greet visitors and offer assistance.
Former Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne said "The veterans who are coming to Blackpool for this national celebration need to be welcomed in style and make to feel safe and secure, and nothing will make them feel more at ease than someone with a smile on their face who is willing to help."
Red Arrows Lead RAF Celebrations
(DS)
The Duchess of Cornwall will also attend the third annual National Veteran's Day.
Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will also attend.
Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veterans' Week since 2005 and beat four other UK cities to be named the host of the 2008 event.
Today's events are part of a nine-day programme.
Among the events planned for today, the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery will exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool with a march along the promenade, past the tower to the cenotaph, led by WWI veteran, 112-year-old Henry Allingham.
Another highlight will be a Battle of Britain memorial flight over those gathered for the thanksgiving service to be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.
The finale will be marked by a Red Devils parachute drop before a firework display.
The National Veterans' Day was established in 2006 and its purpose is to thank ex servicemen and women for their service.
Falklands veteran Anthony Barlow is to abseil down Blackpool Tower and receive his badge from the Duchess. BBC Correspondent Martin Bell will also be presented with a veterans' badge.
To ensure the day goes to plan, the town has organised an army of 20 Blackpool Ambassadors who will be on hand to greet visitors and offer assistance.
Former Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne said "The veterans who are coming to Blackpool for this national celebration need to be welcomed in style and make to feel safe and secure, and nothing will make them feel more at ease than someone with a smile on their face who is willing to help."
Red Arrows Lead RAF Celebrations
(DS)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 May 2004
Blackpool Pleasure Beach to reopen following fire
The Blackpool Pleasure Beach complex is expected to reopen later today just hours after firefighters dealth with a blaze which damaged three rides at the attraction. Ten fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at the Lancashire leisure complex at around 9.30pm last night. The attraction was closed at the time and no-one was injured in the blaze.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach to reopen following fire
The Blackpool Pleasure Beach complex is expected to reopen later today just hours after firefighters dealth with a blaze which damaged three rides at the attraction. Ten fire crews were called to tackle the blaze at the Lancashire leisure complex at around 9.30pm last night. The attraction was closed at the time and no-one was injured in the blaze.
04 June 2004
Prince Charles pays tribute to Scottish D-Day veterans
The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, paid tribute to heroes of the Normandy landings as he met D-Day veterans in Scotland yesterday. The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, met with three veteran soldiers from Glasgow who recounted their memories of the Normandy landings and the battle in which many of their comrades fell.
Prince Charles pays tribute to Scottish D-Day veterans
The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, paid tribute to heroes of the Normandy landings as he met D-Day veterans in Scotland yesterday. The Prince, known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, met with three veteran soldiers from Glasgow who recounted their memories of the Normandy landings and the battle in which many of their comrades fell.
11 November 2009
Armistice Day Marks Passing Of WWI Veterans
A special Armistice Day service at Westminster Abbey has been held to mark the deaths of the last three remaining First World War veterans in the UK, who all died in the past year. William Stone, 108, died in January, followed by Henry Allingham, 113 and Harry Patch, 111, in July.
Armistice Day Marks Passing Of WWI Veterans
A special Armistice Day service at Westminster Abbey has been held to mark the deaths of the last three remaining First World War veterans in the UK, who all died in the past year. William Stone, 108, died in January, followed by Henry Allingham, 113 and Harry Patch, 111, in July.
05 June 2009
British D-Day Veterans To Receive Top French Honour
Ten British World War Two veterans are to be honoured by the French government today for their role in liberating France in 1944. The nine men and one woman, who all took part in the D-Day landings, will receive the Legion d'Honneur in ceremonies this weekend, marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
British D-Day Veterans To Receive Top French Honour
Ten British World War Two veterans are to be honoured by the French government today for their role in liberating France in 1944. The nine men and one woman, who all took part in the D-Day landings, will receive the Legion d'Honneur in ceremonies this weekend, marking the 65th anniversary of D-Day.
11 November 2008
Surviving WWI Veterans Attend Armistice Day Memorial
Three of the last surviving British World War I veterans have attended a ceremony at London's Cenotaph to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108 laid wreaths for their fallen colleagues at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to commemorate Armistice Day.
Surviving WWI Veterans Attend Armistice Day Memorial
Three of the last surviving British World War I veterans have attended a ceremony at London's Cenotaph to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the conflict. Henry Allingham, 112, Harry Patch, 110, and Bill Stone, 108 laid wreaths for their fallen colleagues at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, to commemorate Armistice Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
