Submitted by Sharon on
Photo courtesy of Sam Vaughan - WAWI Committee member
Summary
We began 2014 with Standard Bearer training delivered by the Royal British Legion and ended with the Federation of Ex-service Associations Christmas dinner. In between the Project supported a variety of events, went back to school and even paraded on the pitch at Villa Park.
Bringing History to Life
Throughout the year members and veterans addressed students both in the classroom and playground. Students learned the rationale of World War 1, gained an insight into Military life, participated in parades of homage and addressed a 'Question Time' panel. Schools included; Bishop Vesey, Swanshurst School, Perry Beeches Academy 1, 2 & 3 and Winson Green Juniors.
http://www.swanshurst.org/events/
http://issuu.com/webdox/docs/half_termly_newsletter_june_2014_re/1?e=1108151/8286025
Lest We Forget
Annual Services of Remembrance are an opportunity to give thanks to our Military Personnel and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. From the Army, Navy and RAF, our veterans 'form up' to carry the Battle Standards of British Caribbean Regiments; whilst our team of 'educators' are always on duty; answering questions and imparting information.
Services and Parades included... St Georges Day, Armed Forces Day, Birmingham Air Raids Remembrance Association, National Service Day, Battle of Britain, Trafalgar Day and Armistice Day.
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/armed-forces-day-birmingham-crowds-7341134
Birmingham Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service gave us an opportunity to lay a Wreath in respect of our fallen heroes with the following inscription -
"400 years of Caribbean contribution; remembering those who served and respecting those still serving. We thank you all".
Community Outreach
Family fun days, fundraising or themed events, we continued to address communities on the subject of Caribbean and Commonwealth contributions to the Great Wars. Our 'pop up' exhibition and educational display has been widely used to help communicate our message and our growing army of Military personnel always ready to 'fall in' whenever needed.
http://www.perrybs.bham.sch.uk/news/homelands-ww1/
WW1 Commemorations
Centenary Commemorations of WW1 kept us busy as we attended various events and re-dedication services for those who served from local communities.
http://www.voice-online.co.uk/article/lest-we-forget-black-union-jack
The Project was also invited to attend the Official Ceremony of Commemoration in Glasgow in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, leading Politicians and dignitaries from across the Commonwealth. 5 members attended the service at the Cathedral, whilst 5 of our veterans carried Standards at the Wreath laying ceremony.
Final Farewell
Funerals are a celebration of a person's life and it has been an honour to be able to give a Military Salute to those who served our Country on their final journey.
We Were There Too...
- Launch for the Pilots of The Caribbean - RAF Cosford
- Jamaica Diaspora UK AGM - Bimingham
- Walter Tull Blue Plaque Tribute - London
- Martin Luther King Tribute - Birmingham Theatre Library
- West Indies to West Midlands exhibition - The Drum
http://www.the-drum.org.uk/single-event/?id=IED
To find out about parades, services or events for 2015 please visit our events page or contact us at wawiproject@gmail.com
Together we will make a difference
http://epreunion.com/index.php/component/k2/item/96-2014-event-summary
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