News
The Duchess attends the National Veterans Day celebrations in Blackpool
26th June 2008
The Duchess of Cornwall was warmly welcomed in Blackpool today as she attended National Veterans Day.
Her Royal Highness, who is Royal Colonel of 4th Battalion The Rifles, was greeted by hundreds of cheering onlookers on the promenade opposite Blackpool Tower.
National Veterans Day is part of a nine-day event, the country’s largest-ever celebration of veterans from the Armed Forces.
The festivities, which run from 21st to 29th June, will include a night parachute drop onto Blackpool beach, military land, sea and air displays, the opportunity to see vintage vehicles, veterans’ badge presentations, an evening parade and events for families and school groups.
The Duchess of Cornwall’s first official visit to the seaside resort began with Falklands War veteran Anthony Barlow, 45, abseiling 158m down the tower.
Mr Barlow, who is now a firefighter, was presented with a special badge for veterans by The Duchess.
Speaking afterwards, he said: "It was very windy but I only lost control once.
"It was good to see all the people here to recognise the veterans.
"The Duchess is a lovely woman. She asked me if I suffered from vertigo, and said I looked far too young to be a veteran."
This was followed by a march past by 12 Regiment, Royal Artillery, led by the Band of the King's Division, who exercised their freedom of the borough.
The Duchess then boarded a classic Blackpool tram to the Cenotaph to attend a special service.
The third National Veterans' Day celebrates the contribution made by all those who have served in the Armed Forces and helps to raise awareness of veterans' issues.
Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, also attended.
Later, The Duchess of Cornwall attended a special service at the Cenotaph led by The Bishop of Blackburn.
Her Royal Highness presented a number of veterans' badges, including one to former BBC war correspondent Martin Bell, who spent two years of his youth on national service.
Earlier, in a special stunt, another veteran dived to the bottom of a shark tank at Blackpool Sea Life Centre to retrieve his badge.
The Duchess also chatted to 112-year-old Henry Allingham - the oldest surviving veteran of the First World War.
A two-minute silence was held to remember those who gave their lives and after the ceremony The Duchess chatted to well-wishers as she walked to the pier where she met organisations which offer support to veterans.
John Phillips, who lost his arm while trying to disable an unexploded bomb on board HMS Antelope in the Falklands, said: "Veterans Day is a marvellous initiative because it brings all those who have served together.
"I think people are more and more appreciative because of Afghanistan and Iraq in the news every day.
"They're more aware of what people have done."
Mr Phillips, 65, added: "The Duchess asked us what we thought about the weather. She was very natural."
Simon Brown, who was shot in the face in Basra, was pleased The Duchess of Cornwall remembered him from a previous meeting.
Mr Brown, 29, from Leeds, said: "We've met before at Highgrove. She asked how I was getting on.
"She remembered my story and asked if things were looking up. She's got a good memory."
He added: "Veterans Day helps raise our profile.
"People are starting to get behind us because of reports in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"They appreciate how hard the work is. People didn't understand what was going on before."
Derek Twigg MP said: "Blackpool's bid stood out from the rest. What they've done really well is mix serving personnel with veterans and got children involved.
"It's a great way to celebrate what our veterans have done."
He added: "The fact we have a Veterans Day gives much more focus to veterans."
The Duchess, who was wearing a badge of the 9-12 Lancers, her father's regiment, was presented with two sticks of Blackpool rock as she left the pier.
Her Royal Highness concluded her visit by watching a performance of Land of Hope and Glory by children from local schools.