A WARRINGTON Army veteran will have a particularly poignant reason to march past the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday as he pays tribute to his father and uncle, who both served in the Second World War.
John Ward, 68, has been invited to join a 50-strong group representing Help for Heroes at the Cenotaph Parade on Sunday, November 8.
It will be the first time John has taken part in the historic parade, where he will join thousands of members of the veteran community to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
For John, the occasion will bring a mixture of pride, gratitude and sadness as he remembers his father, Jack, and uncle Thomas.
John’s father served in the Royal Navy during the Second World War, serving aboard seven ships, including those involved in supporting the Russian Convoys.
His uncle Thomas also served in the Royal Navy but tragically lost his life when HMS Hood was sunk in May 1941. He was still in his 20s.
John always wanted to join the Army and fulfilled that ambition at just 16. A year later, he moved to the 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.
During his military career, he was stationed in Aldershot, Germany, Canada and Northern Ireland.
Speaking ahead of the parade, John said: “This will be my first time at the Cenotaph. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.
“I’ll feel exceptionally proud because I’ll be representing Help for Heroes, and proud of my father’s contribution in the Second World War.
“But also sadness when I think about my uncle Thomas, who was only in his 20s when he died – and the people I know who’ve lost their lives or have been wounded and still live with life-changing injuries as a result of their service.”
John has received support from Help for Heroes’ Hidden Wounds team for mental health challenges, alongside assistance from its Case Management team.
He believes Remembrance remains as important today as ever, providing an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by generations of servicemen and women.
He added: “It’s important that we continue to show respect to our services and Remembrance is an opportunity for us to all do so.
“People like my uncle Thomas, and others I served with, made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country.”
This year’s contingent will be the biggest group ever to represent Help for Heroes at the Cenotaph, including some of the UK’s most seriously wounded veterans who have survived their injuries.
Rob Marston, Service Director for Help for Heroes, said it was vital to remember those who had lost their lives while also recognising the ongoing challenges faced by veterans who continue to live with the physical and psychological effects of service.
He said: “It’s so important that we commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country – and at Help for Heroes we also remember those still fighting their own battles today.
“We remain at the side of veterans like John and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes.
“That’s why it’s more important than ever that the public makes a promise to stand alongside our veterans to ensure they get the support they deserve.”
Help for Heroes is encouraging the public to sign its People’s Promise, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring veterans and their families receive the support they deserve after military service.
The charity provides physical and mental health support, alongside welfare and social assistance, to veterans and their families across all branches of the UK Armed Forces, including regular and reserve personnel.
It has supported tens of thousands of people and says it will continue its work until every veteran receives the support they deserve.
Members of the public can sign the People’s Promise at www.helpforheroes.org.uk/peoplespromise
Veterans and their families seeking support can find further information at www.helpforheroes.org.uk
