Over 400 members of the Naval Family including serving personnel and veterans, marched past the Cenotaph on Whitehall today at the Royal Naval Association’s Biennial Parade.
The event also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Navy and the Royal Naval Association.
Personnel from HMS COLLINGWOOD and HMS SULTAN marched past as well as representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and 12 Naval Associations including Association of Wrens, Association of Royal Yachtsmen, Submariners Association and the Merchant Navy Association. We were also joined by members of the Belgian Naval Association and HMS President, the London Naval Reservist unit.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE, took the salute, the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association provided music and the Chaplain of the Fleet, the Venerable Andrew Hillier KHC, conducted the service.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE said:
“I am honoured to take the salute at today’s parade here at the Cenotaph. The RNA is committed to supporting, implementing and promoting the ethos of and values of the Royal Navy.
“I was delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding today which recognises the special relationship between the Association and the Royal Navy that significantly supports many serving and former serving sailors and their families.”
Captain Bill Oliphant, CEO of the Royal Naval Association said:
“The parade is an important opportunity for the Royal Naval Family; serving, veterans and families from across the country and across the RN disciplines to pay their respects both to each other and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The RNA has over18,000 members who are located across the world. Once you join the Navy you join a life-long community of like-minded and supportive Shipmates. ‘Once Navy Always Navy’.
The RNA is the biggest collective group of Royal Naval veterans, serving personnel and their families, with over18,000 members and over 240 branches in the UK and overseas.
We provide those with a link to the Royal Navy access to a life-long community of like-minded and supportive individuals. Our community provides companionship, resilience, comradeship and unity to anyone and everyone with a Naval story, supporting them through life’s highs and lows.
