Blind Veterans UK, the national charity for vision-impaired ex-Service men and women, is inviting businesses, local groups and individuals to ‘Gift a Wreath’ to be laid by blind veterans at local Remembrance events around the country this November.
In North Wales, two local businesses have already signed up to ‘Gift a Wreath’ which will be laid in Llandudno during the town’s Remembrance commemorations.
Chateau Rhianfa in Menai Bridge and funeral director Tom Owen and Son based in Llandudno are supporting blind veterans for the third year but there are still many veterans throughout Wales who would like to lay a wreath in their local area.
Remembrance is a special time of year for veterans, their families and those in active service. Every November, blind veterans, staff, and volunteers come together to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
On Remembrance Sunday, Blind Veterans UK supports its beneficiaries in making the journey to London to march past the Cenotaph but many veterans choose to mark the important occasion at events closer to home. Blind Veterans UK provides wreaths to these veterans so they too can play an active part in Remembrance.
A suggested donation of £200 will enable a blind veteran to take an active part in Remembrance in their local community. It will also ensure blind veterans are able to continue receiving vital support to help them lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Len Salisbury, who is 90 and from Wrexham has laid wreaths on behalf of Blind Veterans UK for the past two years and is hoping to do so again this year at the Cefn Mawr War Memorial in Wrexham. He says:
“There are certain names on my local war memorial who I remember. I was only a young lad at the time, but I recognise their names and they gave their lives in conflict. It means a lot to me to pay my respects and remember them after all these years.”
Those that gift a wreath will have their name added to the wreath and a tribute message will be added to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ page on the Blind Veterans UK website.
Kelly Owen, from Tom Owen and Son, says: “We’ve proudly participated in the Llandudno Remembrance Commemorations for many years and for the past two years I’ve had the honour of laying a wreath beside a blind veteran which is a profoundly enriching experience.
“Listening to their stories and seeing their strength fosters a connection between past and present generations and is a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of preserving peace. It’s humbling and inspiring to be part of something so meaningful and emotional, particularly joining the blind veterans again who are always so welcoming.”
Chateau Rhianfa have been long standing supporters of Blind Veterans UK, having previously hosted fundraising events such as murder mystery nights and Christmas artisan fairs. Delyth Roberts from Chateau Rhianfa says:
“It was wonderful to hear what the experience meant to the veteran whose wreath we gifted. It’s so important to us to play a part in ensuring the fallen are not forgotten and to support blind veterans in our community.”
Blind Veterans UK’s ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign is not only for businesses, individuals are also invited to gift a wreath. Hazel Aldridge has recently signed up. She says:
“I grew up in London during the Second World War and remember some bits quite vividly. My mother and her three sisters, who all lived with us, worked on assembly lines at a local munition factory and my brother would collect shrapnel after the raids.
“We had an air raid shelter in our garden; I remember one night as we made our way to the shelter, my mum stopped and said, “Oh god look at that moon.” She knew that a bright moon meant a particularly heavy night of bombing. The next morning my brother found a large piece of shrapnel which he picked up, but it was still red hot and blistered his fingers.
“It was a strange time; I never have anything to say in praise of war but it was a happy house. I’m grateful to those who gave their lives then and those who serve in our Armed Forces now. Gifting a wreath is my way of saying thank you.”
To find out more, or to sign up to the ‘Gift a Wreath’ campaign visit: blindveterans.org.uk/wreath