A service of dedication for a new Blind Veterans UK Standard and an act of Remembrance for the 80th anniversary of D-Day is being held in Rugby.
On Wednesday 5 June, representatives from Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, will attend the service at St Andrew’s Parish Church which will be led by Reverend Canon Edmond Newey.
Members of the public are invited to attend the service which begins at 2.30pm.
Among those also present will be the Mayor of Rugby, Councillor Simon Ward, sight loss organisations, local emergency service personnel, and those who work locally with Operation Courage which provides mental health support for veterans.
The new standard will be flown by Blind Veterans UK to mark their presence locally at ceremonies and events throughout the calendar year. Local blind veterans came together to fundraise for the standard.
Blind veteran Wayne Perry, who served in the Army for 18 years, has been a standard bearer for five years and will be carrying the standard at the service.
He says:
“I’m honoured and proud to be able to represent Blind Veterans UK. The experience of carrying the standard is second to none and I can’t believe how lucky I am. I love all the pomp and ceremony and carrying the standard makes me feel very military again.
“Having a standard locally that we can parade lets people know who we are and raises awareness of the charity. For me, flying the Blind Veterans UK standard ensures blind veterans are seen and that we are telling people there is life after sight loss.”
Blind Veterans UK Community Support Worker, Anne Carpenter, says:
“It means everything to me that we will have our own local Standard for significant occasions, our local blind veterans have come together to make this happen which shows how much it means to them and we couldn’t ask for a better standard bearer than Wayne.”
The service is taking place the day before the 80th anniversary of D-Day and tribute will be made during the service to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. A lamp of peace will be lit to show light and hope after war.
A blind veteran will then lay a wreath outside the church following the service.
Blind Veterans UK supports thousands of blind veterans across the country, but knows there are many thousands more who still need its support to rebuild their lives after sight loss.
If you, or someone you know, served in the Armed Forces, including National Service, and are now struggling with sight loss, then please get in touch. Call 0800 389 7979 or visit blindveterans.org.uk/gethelp
