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Veterans In City Parade 28th June 2007

Tribute was paid to those who fought in Britain’s armed forces

A procession of heroes marched through the streets to Wakefield Cathedral where tribute was paid to those who had fought in the British armed forces.
The event was started last year as part of a new national initiative to honour the contribution of military veterans around the country each year on June 27.
The Veterans' Day events are designed to complement Remembrance Sunday, which is specifically to remember those who have given their lives for their country. Well over 100 events take place all over the country.

All Information Courtesy Of Yorkshire Post

A Parade Fit For Our Heroes 28th June 2006


Terence Brierley of Ossett	The veterans carrying their standards through the city

Proud day for hundreds of ex-service personnel who took part in West Yorkshire's inaugral veterans' march through the streets of Wakefield

By Stuart Robinson
Pictures: Steve Riding
HUNDREDS of ex-servicemen gathered to honour friends and comrades as West Yorkshire held its first Veterans' Day yesterday.
Onlookers in Wakefield city centre watched a procession of heroes march through the streets to Wakefield Cathedral.
Tribute was paid to those who had fought in the British armed forces at the only service of its kind in the region.
The event was part of a new national initiative to honour the contribution of military veterans around the country each year on June 27.
Guests, including the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Major Ashley Rawlings, the Lord Mayor of Wakefield Coun Darren Travis and Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, attended the ceremony with around 300 ex-servicemen and their families.
Terence Brierley, 74, from Ossett who fought with the Northumberland Fusiliers and the Royal Leicestershire Regiment in the Korean War from 1951-52 was unable to take part in the march on medical advice.
He told the YEP: "I was disappointed I couldn't march as it's the first time I've not been able to do it, but I think it was wonderful to see so many people I know and that so many turned out today.
Conflict
Mr Brierley returned home after the conflict to work in Emley Moor pit for 17 years.
He added:"Today has brought back a lot of memories like the time I was wounded in the leg by shrapnel and my sergeant took it out with a pen- knife and told me to get on with it! Today has been great and I hope they do it every year now."
The veterans day events are designed to complement Remembrance Sunday which is to remember those who have given their lives for their country. More than 180 events were taking place all over the country yesterday.
Nicholas Speak, 72 from Normanton served from 1951-56 around the world in Korea, Germany and Belguim including tours with the UN.
He said: "I thought it was very appropriate to hold the local ceremony in Wakefield Cathedral and it was wonderful to see so many local veterans here as there are not many of us left with the various legions getting smaller.
Glad
"I'm glad that a Veterans Day has been established now, it's not before time and I would've liked to have seen it done years ago."
As well as highlighting the contribution of veterans to our society both during and after their service, the Veterans Day events are also aimed at advising all former armed services personnel on where they can go for support, help and advice once they have left the armed forces.
This year's Veterans Day coincides with celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and the 50th anniversary of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
It also coincides closely with the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of the SommeBattle of the Somme, during the First World War, on July 1.
Mary Creagh, MP for Wakefield, who presented Veterans Badges at the service said: "I thought it was wonderful to see the cathedral packed with ex-service personnel and their families.
Tradition

It was a very proud day for the city and I hope it is the start of a proud tradition for Wakefield and the region."
For more information about Veterans Day events being held around the country see the website www.veterans agency.mod.uk or call 0800 169 2277.
stuart.robinson@ypn.co.uk

All Information Courtesy Of Yorkshire Post