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BLACKPOOL is – says Ministry of Defence national event consultant Julian Mineur, who also happens to be a local councillor – the Manchester United of the veterans' commemorations league For the record, he doesn't even like Man Utd. He's a Tottenham Hotspurs fan. But as co-ordinator of Armed Forces Week here, he reckons the town deserves a medal.
"Blackpool is the biggest and the boldest and the brashest when it comes to our armed forces," adds the ex-Catering Corps recruit.
He's also determined to see the "real veterans", as he puts it, honoured.
Armed Forces week starts tomorrow. It's a big deal for Blackpool – more than 40,000 people are expected to attend nine days of events.
Brigadiers, baronesses, pike men, standard bearers, regimental representatives, world war veterans, servicemen and women, cadets ... they are all heading here.
Blackpool hosted the big national celebrations last year and has now become known as the capital of the celebrations.
The Blackpool blueprint has been widely adopted. Take the trees which were planted last year in Stanley Park to mark various conflicts –- adopted by local schools in partnership with regiments... other towns and cities are doing just the same.
Or the ex-services memorial arboretum and community woodland, which will be officially opened, at Moor Park, Bispham, next week. Other authorities are following suit.
All but a handful of councils across the United Kingdom will hoist and fly the new armed forces day flag in simultaneous ceremonies across the UK on Monday.
Falklands veterans are making a surprise (sorry!) presentation at a local school – no prizes for guessing which – for the work pupils there have done.
The ceremonials bridge the generations, at a time when war, and the risk to our servicemen and women, seems as relevant as ever.
It's hardly surprising considering the North West's historic link with army recruitment or the strong family ties within regiments.
For example, Sergeant Steve Goodwin, 37, who works at the army careers office in Blackpool, served in Germany for nine years, as well as Bosnia and Poland, and followed in the footsteps of his father, Mike, 57, who served 28 years in the Infantry.
Major Robert Langdon, 47, spent seven years in the army, has since spent 24 years in the police, and now runs the Fylde's army cadet force, rising to the rank of major in 13 years, his daughter, 16, now company sergeant major.
The armed forces get families on a long
hook ...
By next weekend, our resident MoD
veterans' minder, Coun Mineur, hopes more will leave Blackpool with a lasting reminder: a Veterans' Badge.
The lapel badge was launched five years ago to raise the profile of veterans – more than 70,000 badges have been issued from Norcross since. Anyone who has served in HM Armed Forces is entitled to apply for the Veterans' Badge, including volunteer and regular
reserves.
Most receive the plaudit by post but if YOU are entitled to a Veterans Badge and would like to receive it on the first ever Armed Forces Day – next Saturday – at a special ceremony in Stanley Park, contact Coun Mineur by Tuesday morning at the latest.
The badges will be presented by Baroness Taylor of Bolton, MPs Joan Humble and Gordon Marsden, and the Mayor Coun Norman Hardy, himself a veteran.
"It's a great occasion and we're hoping more of our younger veterans will come forward and register for presentation, as veterans are of any age and not just from World War Two," adds Coun Mineur (below).
"Sixty veterans received their lapel badges here last year, including six local police and fire officers which shows the ages involved and that many still play a valuable and active role.
"The Baroness's presence cements Blackpool as the capital for Veterans and the ex-service community."
Kevan Jones, Under Secretary of State for Defence and Minister for Veterans, agrees it's a coup for Blackpool. "It's an opportunity to honour, not just those currently serving, but thousands of veterans to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude for their role in securing our freedom.
"It is vital they know they have the support of fellow citizens for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make.
"This is the first day dedicated to all those who have served in the Army, Navy or Air Force, either full time or as a reservist, and more than 200 events are taking place up and down the country."
Coun Mineur adds: "I first got involved 15 years ago with the 50th anniversary of D-Day, when the generosity of the people and businesses in the resort enabled Blackpool to host the biggest event outside of London.
"Members of the Lower Normandy Government visited Blackpool to present 200 specially struck medals. It was a truly moving occasion and I was hooked.
"I was contracted for 10 months and am now in my fourth and final year. Most of the events up and down the country are born of ideas here in Blackpool."
* Veterans eligible for the badge may contact Coun Mineur on (01253) 333882 by day or 079000 86761 or email cllr.julian.mineur@blackpool.gov.uk with details of name, address, contact numbers, date of birth, British Service number and national insurance number, if you know it.
HIGHLIGHTS
Monday, 10.30am, Armed Forces Day. Flags will be hoisted from civic and other centres across the Fylde. Jimmy Armfield OBE presents the flag in Blackpool.
Wednesday, 11am, sponsored tram pull of HMS Blackpool, by ex-services, and others, at Blackpool Transport, from Rigby Road to North Pier.
Friday, 10.30am, memorial arboretum and community woodland, Moor Park, Bispham, officially opens.
Saturday, Armed Forces Day, presentation of veterans badges (times to be determined) in Stanley Park, and challenge to raise Armed Forces Day flag atop the Tower.
Sunday, June 28, special service Blackpool cenotaph, which is featuring illuminated tributes all week.
jacqui.morley@blackpoolgazette.co.uK
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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