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The International Veterans Day
took place on Friday 23rd of Apri
l in Torrevieja with a backdrop of
the Submarine S61 Delfin and
Albatros 111 for the Wreath
laying ceremony.
The day started with sunshine and
it all looked fantastic, the stalls
were all up, the military displays
were all in position. Kathy Carson
was finalizing the programme of
the various acts that were going
to entertain the public.
When the sky opened with a
torrential downpour, it wasn't very
long be for the site was a mud
bath and the event was as you
would say a washout or nary.
This was the International Veteran's President Terry Watson's big day,and all was not well, it was obvious that the entertainment could not go on as the stage and seating area was a sea of mud . Then the Sun came out again and with a few changes the route of the march past and the wreath laying Ceremony were moved to the pier which was all hard standing.
By the time the guest of honour arrived it was sorted. All the Veterans
all 100 of them, bedecked with medals shinning and Standards
Flying, The Spanish Legionnaires, The Royal Naval Association, the
Royal Marines, The Royal Air Forces Association Costa Blanca
Branch, The British l Legion , and for the first time Help the Heroes
formed up each side of the road, all of them
took place on Friday 23rd of Apri
l in Torrevieja with a backdrop of
the Submarine S61 Delfin and
Albatros 111 for the Wreath
laying ceremony.
The day started with sunshine and
it all looked fantastic, the stalls
were all up, the military displays
were all in position. Kathy Carson
was finalizing the programme of
the various acts that were going
to entertain the public.
When the sky opened with a
torrential downpour, it wasn't very
long be for the site was a mud
bath and the event was as you
would say a washout or nary.
This was the International Veteran's President Terry Watson's big day,and all was not well, it was obvious that the entertainment could not go on as the stage and seating area was a sea of mud . Then the Sun came out again and with a few changes the route of the march past and the wreath laying Ceremony were moved to the pier which was all hard standing.
By the time the guest of honour arrived it was sorted. All the Veterans
all 100 of them, bedecked with medals shinning and Standards
Flying, The Spanish Legionnaires, The Royal Naval Association, the
Royal Marines, The Royal Air Forces Association Costa Blanca
Branch, The British l Legion , and for the first time Help the Heroes
formed up each side of the road, all of them
looking smart and standing at ease waiting for the Guest of Honour Lieutenant General Jose Emilio Roldan Pascual Commander of the Unidad Militar de Emergencias to arrive , The Parade were then called to attention and the General walked straight down the middle of the road which was lined with veterans ,talking to his associates and went on to visit the displays of his troops.about one hour later the veterans were formed up again and as is customary in Spain with the Sun setting, the wreaths were laid for the fallen. The National Anthem played while the Spanish Flag was lowered, this was then followed by the march passed. with Lt General Roldan taking the salute.
The first Veterans’ Parade was held in 2007 and organised under the auspices of a committee with representatives of all arms of the ex-services organisations in the area. It formed part of what was then Veterans’ Day in the UK, and has now been extended into Armed Forces Day, which is recognised by the government and run with the approval of HM The Queen. Armed Forces Day is June 26th.
Because we are in Spain, it quickly became obvious that we would require the approval of the local authorities in order to parade with military medals and flags on show, and it was decided to make the event here an International one to appeal to the multi-National community and win local approval.
Without funds, or the means to raise them, it became increasingly difficult to stage the event, both financially and logistically, but an offer from the Spanish San Cristobel Association to incorporate the Veterans’ Parade into the San Cristobel weekend of events.
The Parade itself, however, is, and remains, wholly British in concept. To hold the event in June is, in any case prohibitive because of the heat, and the end of the year is somewhat ‘top heavy’ with Remembrance, the Wings Appeal and Trafalgar Day, so to hold this event earlier in the year is logical, although it is OUR contribution to the recognised Armed Forces Day.
The objective is to publicly honour all Armed Forces veterans, however old or young, and whoever they may be. It is not intended to be an act of Remembrance for the fallen, but a tribute to those who served to show that they are not forgotten.
Any veteran can take part in the Parade - they do not have to belong to any organisation in order so to do, and anyone wishing to represent a veteran can also take part. All that is required is that they turn up on the day. Anyone wishing to use the occasion to hold a ‘reunion,’ are welcome to do so.
Because we are in Spain, it quickly became obvious that we would require the approval of the local authorities in order to parade with military medals and flags on show, and it was decided to make the event here an International one to appeal to the multi-National community and win local approval.
Without funds, or the means to raise them, it became increasingly difficult to stage the event, both financially and logistically, but an offer from the Spanish San Cristobel Association to incorporate the Veterans’ Parade into the San Cristobel weekend of events.
The Parade itself, however, is, and remains, wholly British in concept. To hold the event in June is, in any case prohibitive because of the heat, and the end of the year is somewhat ‘top heavy’ with Remembrance, the Wings Appeal and Trafalgar Day, so to hold this event earlier in the year is logical, although it is OUR contribution to the recognised Armed Forces Day.
The objective is to publicly honour all Armed Forces veterans, however old or young, and whoever they may be. It is not intended to be an act of Remembrance for the fallen, but a tribute to those who served to show that they are not forgotten.
Any veteran can take part in the Parade - they do not have to belong to any organisation in order so to do, and anyone wishing to represent a veteran can also take part. All that is required is that they turn up on the day. Anyone wishing to use the occasion to hold a ‘reunion,’ are welcome to do so.
International Veterans History
Terry Watson President of the International Veterans Association with members of the Spanish Leigionnaires
Wreath laying Party
Spanish Legionnaire, Noel Cork MBE RAF
& Rod Millington MBE RM
& Rod Millington MBE RM
This was a solemn day of remembrance for all those in attendance, the Veterans were applauded by the local Spanish visitors & tourists were impressed and moved by the professionalism of the British veterans and the way they integrated with their own Spanish forces and had never seen a like it befor, given that the average age of them was 70 years old.
RAFA Costa Blanca Branch Lead by Brian Hewett MBE
Branch President
Branch President
Registered Charity United Kingdom No 226682 Spain No G54288329