MEMBERS of Pershore and District Royal Naval Association (RNA) were among those at the unveiling of the Naval Service Memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire.
The ceremony last Sunday (June 15) saw more than100 standard bearers and 2,000 veterans parade behind the Royal Marine Band along with RNR Queen’s Colour, Guards and contingents from HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan in the presence of His
Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent.
Also present at the service was the Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas and Lady Zambellas and Vice Admiral John McAnally as well National RNA Chairman and President Chris Dovey
OBE and other senior members of the Royal Naval Association.
The main memorial was officially unveiled by HRH Prince Michael of Kent. And comprises of 13 coloured glass panels, described by designer Graeme Mitcheson as ‘sails’ representing the various oceans of the world.
Shipmate Chris Dovey later unveiled the figure of a bowed sailor which stands facing towards the sun during his reading of ‘Binyon’s Lines’.
The sunlight through the glass panels will reflect upon the white terrace to become like a pool of water of the five oceans.
The memorial is dedicated to the entire Naval Service including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, Wrens, Queen Alexandra’s Nurses and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The project has been the main focus of the Association’s 60th anniversary celebrations of the receiving of the Royal Charter back in 1954.
And the Pershore and District Branch will be holding their own celebrations on Saturday, July 19 with a 1940’s Night at Pershore Naval Social Club in aid of the Poppy Appeal and their annual Sea Sunday Service the next day.
