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To: The Rt Hon Matthew Hancock MP (Cabinet Office)

Official Recognition for our Veterans

Fighting for official recognition for our forgotten Veterans and against the appalling treatment by the HD Committee after the recent Medallic recognition review.

Why is this important?

Imagine being asked to lay your life on the line for your Country, now imagine being given no option to do otherwise, this was the case for many of our National Servicemen. Imagine further being forced to stand and watch Nuclear explosions, without the knowledge it would cause you and your families serious medical issues and often death. Imagine you and your family running the risk of being shot or blown up every day, not in a war zone but here in the UK by PIRA just for wanting to defend our fellow countrymen. I’ll not ask you to imagine dozens of other scenarios our armed forces were asked to perform as part of their ‘normal duties’. You haven’t been asked to because others before us have done so for generations. They have previously asked for nothing in return, but we think they deserve an official symbol of this country’s gratitude.

This sounds like something any government would want to do doesn’t it? After all Her Majesty has already authorised similar recognition for our Kin in Australia and New Zealand. But Hang on, this governments says absolutely not!!

This doesn’t sound like something that could possibly happen in Britain in 2015. But for our Veterans reaching the twilight of their life see a Country that has forgotten these selfless acts of loyalty and duty in maintaining the freedoms we enjoy today.

The scandal of a recent medal review has been swept under a carpet and kept out of the public domain with Freedom of Information acts being rejected in order to protect a Government which openly sneers at our brave Veterans. Official documents will not be released, why?

Sign the petition now to make sure that the Cabinet Office and MOD hears our message: stop ignoring our veterans contribution and issue an NDM. Please click here to add your name:

Wherever you stand on our Armed Forces, treating our veterans in such a shabby and disrespectful way is not the decency mark of a civilised society. 38 Degrees members stand for fairness, and we work together to make Britain a more compassionate place. Fighting for recognition for our forgotten Veterans and against the appalling treatment of those most willing to protect our freedoms will help create the kind of Britain we want to see.

This is an issue of great National importance as it reflects the way in which our country values and recognises the commitment of those young men and women who keep our country safe and free. It takes into account the unique circumstances of serving in the armed forces, the loss of a high level of personal freedom, the inherent risk of being a member of the armed forces, being subject to Military law and the commitment of the individual to put country before self. It recognised and honours both those who serve now and will serve in the future and those who have served, been injured, maimed and killed in the line of duty regardless of when or where that duty took place.

Can you sign the petition now to give our veterans the recognition they deserve.

How it will be delivered

Depending on the number of signatures gained, but we will certainly consider hand delivery and a press conference.

Category

Links

Updates

2015-10-27 22:03:09 +0000

Some of you may not be aware of this speech in 2010 by Colonel (Retd) Terry Scriven. We are pleased to say that those connected to the Berlin Airlift did finally receive recognition. The video although made some years ago still reflects the purpose of the campaign and is well worth a viewing.

http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/apps/blog/show/4827066-ndm-motion-is-passed

Campaign Admin

2015-10-14 16:09:47 +0100

4,400 signatures reached.
Campaign Admin

2015-10-13 19:33:38 +0100

Below is a link to an interview with veteran Roy Wilson held at Radio Harold Hill. It is quite a long interview with a musical interlude but well worth a listen too.

http://nationaldefencemedal.webs.com/asoldiersstory.htm

Campaign Admin

2015-10-08 16:05:54 +0100

The petition has been amended to emphasise that this is a matter of great National importance as such an award reflects the countries attitude towards the armed forces, and to make it clear that such an award has value and worth. It is not just an award for past service but for present and future service too.
Part of the text which related to the pre election criteria has been removed as it was no longer valid.
Campaign Admin

2015-09-30 20:39:37 +0100

4300 signatures reached.
Campaign Admin

2015-09-19 17:09:30 +0100

4,200 signatures reached
Campaign Admin

2015-09-16 18:35:29 +0100

Our thanks to Brian and Shaun for taking part in the short piece on BBC North East. The programme was viewed by about half a million people, so perhaps others will start to look at this issue in more depth and find out what the campaign is all about.

link to item

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XPPNSpJA90&feature=youtu.be

Campaign Admin

2015-09-14 19:16:23 +0100

Hi folks,

Tune in to 1830hrs on BBC North East on the 15th Sep. Several of the members will be on TV talking about the NDM.
Campaign Admin

2015-09-04 22:51:14 +0100

4100 signatures reached. Thank you to all = keep spreading the word.
Campaign Admin

2015-08-21 22:17:54 +0100

4000 signatures reached. Now we need to double this, so please continue to spread the word. A BIG thank you to all those who have signed so far.
Campaign Admin

2015-08-12 19:19:47 +0100

3,800 signatures reached

2015-08-03 22:29:45 +0100

We're please to tell supporters that Miss Joanna Lumley has given her backing to the campaign to quote from her letter "...a National Defence medal would be completely in order: ....." She wishes us all very, very good luck with the campaign.
Campaign Admin

2015-08-01 17:46:08 +0100

A BIG thank you to all those who just recently signed up to support the campaign. Keep spreading the word everyone to your friends and colleagues. Your support is vital and very much appreciated.
Campaign Admin.

2015-08-01 00:23:10 +0100

3,500 signatures reached

2015-07-30 15:45:59 +0100

Hi folks,
There is a rumour going around that the Government wishes to amend the Freedom of Information Act. They wish to limit the amount and type of information that can be requested. This would be very bad news for the Campaign as it was mainly through FOI requests that the Campaign Team were able to force a second medals review, later carried out by Sir John Holmes, which resulted in the belated award of the Bomber Command Clasp, Artic Convoy Medal and recognition for those who served in the Berlin Airlift.
Perhaps this is one reason they have denied the Team sight of the full report from Sir John?If they can stall long enough and the bill gets amended then we will lose the opportunity to find out what really went on during the HD Committee meetings and what they have to hide.
This would be a massive blow to democracy – the very thing Veterans served to defended!
Campaign Admin