Dudley Council and leading local social business Black Country Housing Group have teamed up to call on local veterans to be part of this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations and receive their HM Armed Forces Badge.

Armed Forces Day 2017 will return to the prestigious Himley Hall and Park on Sunday 25 June to celebrate the work of service men and women. The free event, which has attracted thousands of visitors in previous years, will run from 11am to 5pm.

It will once again include a presentation of medals and decorations to veterans, including the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge, which recognises the achievements and contributions to all those who have served the nation.

Black Country Housing Group, one of the area’s leading social businesses, has been confirmed as the main sponsor for this year’s event. The organisation provides affordable housing and specialist services including residential care to local communities across Birmingham and the Black Country.

Its chief executive Amanda Tomlinson is keen to encourage as many veterans as possible come forward to be presented with their honours at this prestigious event. Amanda Tomlinson, chief executive at Black Country Housing Group, said:

“We’re really proud to be involved as the main sponsor of this year’s Armed Forces Day. We are committed as an organisation to supporting people who have served and continue to serve in the forces, and we have recently confirmed this commitment by signing up to the national Armed Forces Covenant.

“We recognise that the veteran badge presentation is one of the most important parts of the Armed Forces Day event, which gives us an opportunity to applaud and give thanks to our service men and women.

"I would therefore encourage anyone who hasn’t formally been presented with their badge to come forward to be part of the celebrations.”

Councillor Mohammed Hanif, the Mayor of Dudley, added:

“We’re delighted to have Black Country Housing Group on board this year as we continue with our exciting plans for the 2017 event.

“Last year I was privileged to meet many of the veterans who attended and was incredibly proud to see the huge turnout and support from local people. I hope this year is no exception.”

Highlights of this year’s event will include the Land Girls Victory Show, the spectacular Beating Retreat, a youth marching band competition and a display of historic military vehicles, as well as children’s entertainment including a gladiator-themed army duel and bungee run. 

Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge 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.