Forces veterans are set to be presented with a special medal by the Mayor of Dudley at an official ceremony this summer.

Serving and ex-armed forces personnel will join the Mayor for Armed Forces Day, in association with Black Country Radio, on 30th June at Himley Hall.

Thousands of people flock to the Hall for the event each year, which also sees armed forces veterans presented with medals and badges including the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge.

Councillor David Stanley, the Mayor of Dudley, has appealed to veterans to come forward to take part in the ceremony and have their medals and badges presented to them. Councillor Stanley said:

"Armed Forces Day is always a wonderful occasion where we can celebrate the work of our armed forces, past and present. One of the best aspects of the day is having the opportunity to speak to people who have served in the armed forces and present them with their badges and medals.

"I would urge anyone who has badges or medals to get in contact with us so we can add them to this packed programme for the day and give them the recognition they richly deserve.”

There is no entrance fee for people and the event includes entertainment for all generations of the family such as performances by Victory Gal Melissa and Pete’s War Time Show, the spectacular Beating Retreat lead by RAF Cosford and The Band of the Mercian Regiment, a display of historic military vehicles and children’s entertainment including vintage fairground rides and Punch and Judy. 

People who think they are entitled to one of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges should call the Veterans UK helpline on 0808 1914 218 or email dbs-modmo-vetsbadge@mod.uk to apply. Veterans need to have applied for and received their badge before contacting Dudley Council in order to have them presented on the day. 

Second World War veterans who served on the arctic convoys and in the Bomber Command can also apply for their badge before Armed Forces Day by calling the Veterans UK helpline.

Anyone who has already received one of the badges but has not had it formally presented to them before, can contact Dudley Council on 01384 818186 to be part of the ceremony.