<![CDATA[The Queen has sent her Christmas wishes to veterans of the British Armed Forces.
Her Majesty sent the message to the ABF, The Soldiers’s Charity, of which she is patron , who contacted Her Majesty at the beginning of their campaign to help homeless veterans this Christmas with The Evening Standard, who first reported on The Queen’s message. The Independent is also in partnership to raise money for ABF and Veterans Aid.
The campaign aims to help veterans of the Armed Forces who are destitute or in difficulty, and try to prevent others from facing the same fate.
Her Majesty wrote:
“Please convey my warm thanks to the chairman and trustees of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for their message of loyal greetings sent on the occasion of the launch of their collaborative Christmas campaign to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by servicemen and servicewomen in returning to civilian life.
“This year we commemorate the sacrifices made by members of the armed services 100 years ago.
“We owe a great debt of gratitude to past and present servicemen and servicewomen who put their lives in jeopardy to keep us safe and it is clear that the work of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is as important today as it has ever been. As your patron, I thank you for your kind message and send my very best wishes.”
Brigadier Robin Bacon, chief of staff at ABF, said that the charity is ‘delighted and honoured that […] The Queen, recognises the valuable work being done by The Soldiers’ Charity, which reiterates how vital it is that all of our veterans receive the help they need, when and where they need it.’
He also hoped that Her Majesty’s support will inspire the public to ‘do what they can to help our former servicemen and women’.
Grandson Prince William has also lent his support to the campaign, saying: “The men and women of the armed forces serve all of us with their lives when called on by their country. They would give their life to protect us and they expect little in return. But it is difficult sometimes to make the transition into civilian life.”
featured photo: Northern Ireland Office/ MTHurson/Harrions>
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