Remembering those killed in war and commemorating our volunteers and military chaplains

published on 8 Nov 2019

This Remembrance Sunday The Salvation Army will join the nation in honouring all those who have died in conflict and reflecting on their great sacrifice, with members across the UK joining in local commemorations.

The Salvation Army’s Chief Secretary for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, Colonel Lee Graves, will carry and lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, alongside other church leaders, as part of the March Past for Remembrance this Sunday 10 November 2019.

The wreath will commemorate all who lost their lives and The Salvation Army’s relief efforts in world wars, recognising the support we give to those in armed conflicts today including the work of our military chaplains, as well as during previous conflicts

A Salvation Army emergency response vehicle will be based at Horse Guards Parade to serve teas and coffees to veterans taking part in the march.

Thirty people will represent The Salvation Army at the march past the Cenotaph. At least three of those have served in the military.

One of those is Adrian Clee, The Salvation Army’s National Emergency Response Officer, who co-ordinates The Salvation Army’s support at large-scale emergencies – such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy. Taking part in the March Past the Cenotaph is particularly poignant for Adrian.

For 13 years Adrian, 52, served with the Royal Marines Band Service before a coach crash in 1994 saw him badly injured when returning from supporting a Royal Navy Association parade past the Cenotaph.

He said:

“Remembrance day has particular meaning for me because I lost several colleagues when in the military including after the bombing of the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal where 11 of my colleagues died. The Salvation Army Emergency Response teams were at Deal barracks after the bombing – providing support to those searching for bodies. It happened 30 years ago, but it is etched in my memory – the Royal Marines School of Music band held a defiant march through Deal a week later, and left gaps in their ranks to represent those we had lost. Poignantly, for the first time this year, a contingent of veterans from the Royal Marine Band will be marching.

“I was also involved in a coach crash which ended my military career in which one of my colleagues died and several people, including myself, were badly injured. After the coach crash The Salvation Army at Staple Hill in Bristol were a great support to me and my colleagues when I was in hospital.

“I will be honouring the memory of those I served alongside who lost their lives. I will also be remembering The Salvation Army which has a long history of working alongside the Armed Forces, including during both World Wars, when we supported the Armed Forces on the front line.”