Jo thanks Veterans in ceremony to mark 100 badges

6.35.09pm GMT Fri 30th Nov 2007

Jo presented the 100th Veterans Badge at the ceremony in Bishopbriggs

Local Armed Forces Veterans have gathered in Bishopbriggs today at an event organised by Jo Swinson to mark the presentation of the 100th Veterans Badge in East Dunbartonshire.

The 100th badge was presented to Robert Aitken of Lenzie in a ceremony at Bishops Gate retirement complex in Bishopbriggs today. Ex-servicemen and women regularly contact Jo Swinson for assistance in applying for Veterans Badges.

Jo said:

"I am always pleased to help the Armed Forces Veterans who contact me regularly seeking to apply for their Veterans Badge, and wanted to find an appropriate way to mark the occasion of the 100th badge presentation. I was delighted to present Mr Aitken with his badge in the company of friends and colleagues.

"The event was a great way of bringing Armed Forced Veterans with different experiences together in order to offer a show of gratitude for the service they have given this country.

"There are still many unclaimed badges awaiting ex-Servicemen and Women in East Dunbartonshire, particularly given that eligibility for Veterans Badges has recently been extended to include personnel who served up to 1994. Anyone with enquiries about their eligibility for a Veterans Badge should contact my office in writing or by phone on 0141 762 2209."

Enquiries in writing to Jo Swinson's office should be made to: 4 Springfield House, Emerson Road, Bishopbriggs, G64 1QE

Figures produced by the Ministry of Defence reveal that on average across the UK, 7,200 Veterans Badges per constituency have not yet been claimed.

Men and women who Served in HM Armed Forces before and/or during World War II are entitled to a Veterans Badge. This includes members of the Cyprus Regiment, Home Guard and Polish Forces under UK Command

Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3 September 1945 and 31 December 1994 are entitled to a Veterans Badge. There is no qualifying length of Service.

Related Link:

Veterans Agency - HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge