Dudley Council is calling out for local veterans, and those currently serving in the Armed Forces, to come forward to be presented with their special medals and badges.

Armed Forces Day won’t take place this year due to the pandemic, but Dudley Council will ensure the highlight of the popular event, the badge and medal presentation, goes ahead.

The annual presentation of service medals and badges by the Mayor of Dudley, including the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge, will instead be held this year on Reserves Day on Wednesday 23 June. The Mayor of Dudley will host a special afternoon tea for reservists and veterans which will include the official presentation ceremony as well as a performance by the Household Cavalry Band.

K2 Security, is this year’s principal sponsor and its director Mick Wolohan is keen to make sure that as many veterans as possible come forward to receive their honours at this unique event. He said:

"We are honoured to be able to support this special event to ensure that those from the borough that have served their country, both at home and abroad, are celebrated for their commitment."

Councillor Anne Millward, Mayor of Dudley, added:

"I have attended Armed Forces Day many times and although I am sad that we aren’t able to host a public event this year, I am honoured that one of my first duties as the Mayor of Dudley will be to celebrate our Armed Forces community for their dedication and commitment.

"We are calling on servicemen and women who are entitled to, or have already been sent their HM Armed Forces Badges, to come forward and have them officially presented at this special one-off event."

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, or for medal queries email DBS-Medals@mod.uk.

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 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.

The special Reserves Day event will be supported by K2 Security, Jewson and Fieldings Auctioneers.

The national Armed Forces Covenant ensures people who have served in the Armed Forces are treated fairly. To find out more go to armedforcescovenant.gov.uk.