Presentation of HM Armed Forces Badge and UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge - Perth June 20, 2008

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WISHART AND HULBERT TO HOLD VETERANS BADGE CEREMONY

Member of Parliament for Perth and North Perthshire, Mr Pete Wishart, is hosting a Veterans Badge presentation ceremony with Provost John Hulbert on 20th June 2008 at 10.30am in Perth Concert Hall in response to the number of Veterans who have contacted him regarding the HM Armed Forces Veteran’s Badge.

The HM Armed Forces Badge was launched in 2004 to recognise all military service, not just during the First and Second World Wars. Unlike an award such as a medal, which tends to recognise specific conflicts or campaigns, the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is a badge that is intended to raise public awareness and generate a sense of unity amongst all generations of Armed Forces' Veterans living in our communities.

A separate UK Merchant Seafarers Veterans' Badge was introduced, in 2006, as a special version of the HM Armed Forces Veterans' Badge to reflect the unique relationship that the Merchant Navy and fishermen have held with the Armed Forces over the years.

The badge has been well received, with over 550,00 being issued and the Perth and North Perthshire MP is urging any constituents of his who think they may be eligible for the badge to contact his Perth Constituency Office on 01738 639 598 or his Blairgowrie Office on 01250 876 576 to receive an application form.

Pete Wishart MP said:

“I have been overwhelmed with the responses to my initial request for veterans to come forward to apply for a Veterans Badge.

“Such is the volume of requests the Provost and I have decided to host a short ceremony in Perth’s Horsecross on 20th June 2008 to meet with and present the badges to Veterans in advance of Veterans Day 2008.

“I would urge Veterans who are interested in attending to apply for a badge a soon as possible so that a badge can be made available in good time for the event.

“If you think you might be eligible to apply for a badge please call my Perth Constituency Office on 01738 639 598 or his Blairgowrie Office on 01250 876 576 to receive an application form or write to Pete Wishart MP, 9 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP or at 35 Perth Street, Blairgowrie, PH10 6DL.

“Further information on the Veterans' Badge, along with help and advice on any issue affecting veterans’ lives, can be obtained from the free national veterans helpline 0800 169 2277”