Armed Forces Day
02 July 2012
All over the UK communities have been coming to together to mark Armed Forces Day. In Liverpool it is very fitting and poignant that the Merchant Navy is also included in this special day.
On Saturday 30th June representatives from the Merchant Navy were joined by others from of all three armed services and attended the City’s Anglican Cathedral for the Service of Celebration. Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Councillor Sharon Sullivan invited the Area Volunteer Officer North Chris Todd and Assistant National Secretary Paul Hutchins to represent the Maritime Volunteer Service at this important fixture in the formal calendar.
Before the service Chris and Paul had the opportunity to renew friendships from across the Merseyside area, including Pat Moran, Chair of the Liverpool Retired Merchant Seafarers and Commander Phil Ross, RNR of HMS Eaglet and John Moores from Liverpool University Lairdside Maritime Centre.
After the service representatives lead by the Band of 4th Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’ regiment marched past, with the salute being taken by The Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE.
“This was my first experience at the more formal side of the MVS.” Commented Paul “And I was very proud to be there but felt very humbled when meeting those veterans from the Merchant Navy.”