Lest We Forget

Every Blesma Member has a different memory of their time in Service, and for everyone associated with the military, Remembrance Sunday means something different, too.  The weekend is an extremely important event in Blesma's calendar and this year, as ever, a large group of Members travelled to London to take part in the parade at the Cenotaph.  A contingent of 22 Members on scooters and wheelchairs, seven walking wounded, as well as family members and carers, we're led proudly past the Cenotaph by Jim Chittenden the charity's sole World War II veteran participant, flanked by Will Dixon and Stuart Pearson.

After the parade, some Members spoke about who their thoughts were with on this emotional day, and recalled their personal experiences amount the respectful crowds who gathered in the capital to pay their respects. 

Alison Grant, 47  Served in the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps from 1991 to 2006

This is my eighth Remembrance Weekend with Blesma.  Keeping the tradition going is crucial - we need to teach the next generation its importance.  On the day, I think about lost friends, colleagues killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and my father too.

We honour our military like no other country during the Remembrance weekend. It is very special.

Alison Grant

Jim Chittenden, 91 Served in the Parachute Regiment's 'Pathfinders' during WWII

I have been coming to Remembrance Sunday for many, many, many years, and it always means so much to me. I quite often go to military reunions, I used to be a Pathfinder. When I give a toast I always make sure it is to absent friends because it is so vital to remember them.

On the day itself, I think about all the people I served with back in World War II.  I joined at the age of 18 and went to North Africa, Italy, France and Greece.

Andrew Bracey, 40 Served as a Reservist from 1994 until 2009

This is my first Remembrance Weekend in London with Blesma.  I usually mark it at home in Southend and in the past I have found the day difficult.  I always do it my own way; I have a cross that I place down for the guys who I have known and lost, people who I've served with.  Doing this way, and coming to the Cenotaph is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.