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The HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge - PR Job and insulting

by Babel-Fish | October 21, 2009 at 11:33 pm

312 views | 18 Recommendations | 6 comments

As British military veteran I can now claim a HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge of which is being offered as a sort of medal. But one has to complete a form and post it off to the good old veteran’s office.

For generations our Armed Forces have served their country across the world in many roles from war fighting, peacekeeping and reconstruction to home defense. In so doing, they have defended our country, our way of life and our cherished values. A large number of our veterans are young and active and now use the skills, the discipline and the leadership they learned in the Armed Forces to benefit their civilian employers and the wider community. The Ministry of Defence Strategy for Veterans highlights that because of all this it is important to focus on supporting veterans of all ages by celebrating, and raising public awareness of, their achievements and their contribution to society. To promote recognition of veterans by the wider British public the unique and unifying symbol of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge is available to all those who have served in HM Armed Forces.
The HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 by the Minister for Veterans, to raise the profile of veterans by assisting the wider public to recognise them. The first veterans badge was issued to Lord Healy, a veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino, on 10 May 2004, which initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since then eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all veterans are eligible to apply.

A really wanted to know why the veterans office don’t just send this award to the veterans listed within there veterans pension data base. Now I have seen details that say its all a publicity stunt part and parcel of the formation of a veteran department and a means that certain people can take a photo opportunity presenting this badge as let say a sort of medal to an ex-soldier.

Now I really don’t think as a veteran I want any further medals or awards than I have already earned during my actual active service. I certainly am not going to apply and I really don’t want to be presented the damn thing from any dignitary as suggested by the British Embassy.

Veteran's in the Philippines may have their badges presented to them by Her Majesty's Ambassador Stephen Lillie in Manila. Please contact Maria Mardon for enquiries.

This is of course a PR job and sadly it in fact belittle’s the real history of the original badge this was a World War II honor where military hero’s did help save the British Nation.

When will these socials stop their damn stupid-ness and learn respect.

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Babel-Fish

at 23:53 on October 21st, 2009

I am not a veteran only as I used to be called an ex-soldier. Veteran's served in the war well that was my opinion until the damn war office started calling me a veteran. We have been Americanized by the socialist fools

albertacowpoke

at 03:48 on October 22nd, 2009

I know where you.re coming from. On release from the Canadian Army we receive pins, either Silver or Gold. The Silver pin is awarded if you have 20 years and gold for 25 years. Since I completed my service, there has been a Canadian Peacekeeping medal, which we had to apply for, but could choose the presenter.

Veterans Association are now in the process of petitioning for a Volunteer Service Medal. This medal would be presented to anyone that has served in the Canadian Forces since 1948 I think.

I don.t need any more medals either Babel, it just means I have to expend more money for court mounting the damn thing. We already get the Canadian Forces Decoration for 12 years service, followed by bars at 22 and 32 years.

Babel-Fish

at 07:24 on October 22nd, 2009

Yep, you have hit on the nail. Never mounted mine I don't like living on history and it was always just a job to me. The best reward was my pensions that allowed me to retire early in the tropics.

158

at 08:05 on October 22nd, 2009

A medal is supposed to recognize outstanding service.

It should be used for that purpose, not for publicity.

The US does not have a veterans medal or badge.

jazzyzazzy

at 09:03 on October 25th, 2009

Most ex soldiers just want to be treated with the respect they so clearly deserve,not a badge medal or lumps of metal.They deserve a good pension.

Brian Sharp, (not verified)

at 06:53 on November 3rd, 2009

Hi,hope you are all keeping well.I received a GSM for Borneo after being on active service for one year and I was presented with a medal from the malaysian government,both of which I am very proud of,I served in the RAF for 5 years and it is the only things I got as I dont get a service pension,cheers Brian