Sun shines on successful 2nd Annual Veterans’ Day Parade

Approximately 400 ex-servicemen and women marched along the Loch Promenade yesterday (Sunday 29^th June) in gloriously sunny, but breezy, conditions.

This was the second such event organised by a local committee of dedicated Veteran’s, chaired by Brigadier Norman Butler and ably co-ordinated by Charles Wilson; with the help of former Tourist Department Chief Executive, Terry Toohey.

A squad of eight soldiers, a Sergeant Major and Major from Twelve Regiment, Royal Artillery, most of whom have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, led the parade followed by the Veterans and members of the cadet forces and support services. This year, a group of children, from five local schools, were also invited to take part in the parade and the subsequent service in the Royal Hall.

His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Paul Haddacks, accompanied by the Chief Minister, Tony Brown MHK, took the salute.

The Service, led by The Venerable Brian Smith, Archdeacon of the Isle of Man, lasted approximately an hour; and included items by, Year 9, St Ninian’s High School pupil, Lena Dohvoma, who delivered a piece entitled ‘Rebecca’s Grandfather’ and by Emily Connors, a Year 12 pupil from Ramsey Grammar School. She read the poem ‘The Darkling Thrush’ by Thomas Hardy.

Further readings, to mark the 100^th Anniversary of the Territorial Army and the 90^th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, were read by Sgt. David Cheval of the Catering Support Regiment RLC (V) and Cpl. Sarah Wade of 440 (1^st Manx) Squadron ATC.

Afternoon tea was then consumed, whilst local brass band members played a selection of nostalgic music.