Members of the Nuneaton based Air Cadet Band have added another honour to their growing list of achievements. On the 26 th June, the band of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps and a contingent from 198 (Hinckley) Squadron took a leading part in a prestigious Armed Forces Day Service of Tribute to HM Armed Forces at a national shrine.
As this year marks the 150th Anniversary of the formation of the Cadet Forces, the 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron band were invited to provide the musical accompaniment for the service, with support from Cannock Ex-Servicemen's Club Male Voice Choir. The service conducted by the Chaplain of 35 Signal Regiment Revd. Victor Van Den Bergh with readings by Sir James Hawley, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire was held at the Armed Forces Memorial in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Hundreds of serving members of the Armed Forces, Service Veterans, Cadet Forces, and members of the public from all over the country gathered for the service at the foot of the steps of the impressive Armed Forces Memorial which contains the names of all of the British Service-men and women, who have died in conflict since the end of the Second Word War. They include those of Sergeant Simon Valentine from Bedworth and Fusilier Louis Carter from Nuneaton , who were killed in Afghanistan . As was the theme throughout the country on Armed Forces Day, the service paid tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and celebrated the work of all men and women, who have served and are still serving in Her Majesty's Armed Forces throughout the world.
Following the service the 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron band led the Armed Forces Day parade of Service personnel, past and present as they marched through the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum with Standards flying. The salute was taken by Sir James Hawley, Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire. Sir James Hawley came over to meet the cadets after the parade and thanked them all for providing the music and helping to make the service and parade such a memorable occasion. Flt Lt Paul Hincks of 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron said, “The National Memorial Arboretum is a truly special place and it's been such an honour for our band to be invited to play here today. It's difficult to describe the real meaning of the National Memorial Arboretum, you really have to come hear to appreciate its tranquillity and the scale of the Armed Forces Memorial, but if you would like to get an insight into its true meaning please have a look at this short video on YouTube. View Photographs of the Armed Forces Day Service of Tribute to HM Armed Forces
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