Local MP Encourages Veterans to Apply for Badge
31st January 2007
Aberavon MP, Dr Hywel Francis, has urged veterans to apply for a badge marking their service in the Armed Forces. The Veterans' Badge is available to all men and women who served in the UK Armed Forces, and eligibility for the badge has been extended to include those who enlisted up to and including 31/12/1969.
War widows who are getting a War Widow's Pension are also eligible, as well as Merchant Navy seamen who saw active service as part of a military operation.
The Veterans' Badge is a lapel badge to be worn on civilian clothes. It has been developed with the Government in conjunction with veterans' organisations, and is intended to help people recognise veterans and the important contribution they made.
The badge will eventually be available to all those who have served in the Armed Forces regardless of when they enlisted, but due to the high demand for the badge, further extensions to the scheme will be made on a chronological basis when the current demand is fulfilled.
Dr Francis said,
"We owe our freedom to the sacrifices of our veterans, and it is only fitting that their invaluable service to our country should be recognised through the Veterans' Badge. I would strongly encourage all those who are eligible to apply for this impressive badge."
"Any veterans who would like a badge can apply by ringing the Veterans' Helpline free on 0800 169 22 77, by downloading a form from the internet, or by passing their details to my Constituency Office (01639 897660) and I will make the application on their behalf."
Notes:
Application forms for a Veterans' Badge are available at http://www.veteransagency.uk/vetsbadge/applicationform.pdf
