I would like to begin by sending
my greetings and good wishes to all MNBVA and Affiliated members on this
occasion of the tenth Anniversary of our formation.
I am sure most would agree
an achievement worthy of note and only attained by the dogged determination of
the Local and National Officers. And
it is with the backing of this loyal membership that we have reached this point
for there has been many obstacles to overcome along the way but this is only
expected of an Association striving to gain recognition and credibility.
These endeavours are
now reaching fruition and are apparent when our members attend such high-profile
occasions such as Eden-Camp, Bridlington, Weymouth and-next April, St Paul's
Cathedral in London. On your
behalf, I would like to extend a very warm and grateful 'Thank You' to all who
are involved in the organisation of all these events. For they, more than anyone, have enhanced the honour and
reputation of the Association.
I am well aware that such
members exist within all Branches World wide and this is why our bond of
comradeship is so strong. Long may it continue.
Good luck and best wishes
to you all in the year ahead
Yours in comradeship
David Neil
Hon National President U.K
BRIEF EXPLANATION FOR THOSE NOT LIVING IN THE
U.K.
The 'HIGH-PROFILE OCCASIONS'
mentioned in the message above are:
1.
EDEN CAMP, Yorkshire
Once a WW2 POW Camp and now a fascinating Military Museum. Each hut contains historical relics from a different theatre
of war or theme both from World War or Post War Conflict.
In one such hut covering the Malayan Emergency and Borneo Confrontation a
NMBVA Memorial Plaque was unveiled and is now revisited each year when a
Remembrance Service is held.
2.
BRIDLINGTON (in the North-East) and WEYMOUTH (on the South Coast)
venues for two of the UK's largest annual Veteran Parades.
3.
St PAUL'S CATHEDRAL, London
Will be the scene of the unveiling of a NMBVA Memorial Plaque by a high
profile VIP. The exact date
is yet to be announced but will probably be April 2005.
After the unveiling there will be a reception at the Mansion House.
More details will be given out soon.
Ed.