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Prince Harry is a serving member of the Armed Forces and is a
Captain in the Blues and Royals, the second most senior regiment in
the British Army and part of the Household Cavalry. The Prince has
undergone two tours of Afghanistan; one in 2007-2008 and another in
2012-2013.
In January 2014, the Ministry of Defence announced that the Prince
would take up a Staff Officer role in HQ London District, helping
to “co-ordinate significant project and commemorative events”
involving the Army in London.
This included the successful Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style
sporting event for injured servicemen and women, held in September
2014.
Today, there are Fields of Remembrance in Edinburgh, Belfast,
Cardiff, Gateshead and Lydiard Park.
Lydiard Park is close to Royal Wootton Bassett which was granted
Royal Patronage in 2011, in recognition of its role in the
early 21st century military funeral repatriations, which
passed through the town.
From April 2007, the bodies of service personnel killed
in Iraq and Afghanistan were repatriated
to RAF Lyneham while repairs were done at RAF Brize
Norton.
The bodies would then be transported to John Radcliffe
Hospital, Oxford, in coffins covered with a Union Flag,
passing through Royal Wootton Bassett on their way.
After local members of The Royal British Legion became
aware of the repatriation, and decided to formally show their
respect to the soldiers as they passed through their
town, other people began assembling along the route, often
with large gatherings of over 1,000 people.
Each field plays hosts to Remembrance Tribute carries a
personal message to someone who lost his or her life in the Service
of our country.
Previously, the Remembrance Tributes would only be in the style of
crosses however, to recognise the variety of faiths involved in the
conflicts, the tributes are available today in the Star of David,
the Muslim Crescent, the Sikh Khanda, the Hindu Om or a secular
tribute; which is not related to any particular faith.
For up-to-date information about the visit, please follow us on
Twitter: @Royal Central or visit The Royal British Legion
Website.
Image Credit: UK in Italy via photopin cc (Featured), “MO” (Article)]]>
