THIS Summer Stephen Metcalfe, current Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, hopes to join The Royal British Legion in celebrating one hundred years of women in the Armed Forces.
On Friday 7 July The Royal British Legion will mark the centenary of the formal recognition of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the first time women were fully enrolled in the UK Armed Forces, by holding a Drumhead Ceremony and Reception at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Women who have served the Crown on military operation or in uniform can now apply to attend the ceremony via The Royal British Legion’s website, with applications set to close on Wednesday 24 May. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Members of the wider public are also invited to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, which will be showing the event on outdoor screens. Guests will be encouraged to take the opportunity to participate and explore the wide range of memorials that can be found on the 150-acre site.
Mr Metcalfe said: “I am always delighted to support The Royal British Legion, which does so much to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country.
“This ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum is a chance to particularly recognise the contribution of our servicewomen, who a century ago were first able to formally enrol in the UK Armed Forces.
“I would strongly encourage any current or ex-servicewoman in our local area to seize this opportunity and apply to attend the event. Likewise anyone who wants to go and show their support can also visit the National Memorial Arboretum and take in the atmosphere in July.”
He added: “Whilst women were first able to enrol in the Armed Forces a hundred years ago, there still remains more work to be done towards equality, with only around 10% of British Armed Forces personnel being female.
“Nonetheless I am pleased that women are now able to join men in close-combat roles on the frontline, showing that Our Girls have just as much to contribute as Our Boys.”
END
On Friday 7 July The Royal British Legion will mark the centenary of the formal recognition of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC), the first time women were fully enrolled in the UK Armed Forces, by holding a Drumhead Ceremony and Reception at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
Women who have served the Crown on military operation or in uniform can now apply to attend the ceremony via The Royal British Legion’s website, with applications set to close on Wednesday 24 May. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Members of the wider public are also invited to visit the National Memorial Arboretum, which will be showing the event on outdoor screens. Guests will be encouraged to take the opportunity to participate and explore the wide range of memorials that can be found on the 150-acre site.
Mr Metcalfe said: “I am always delighted to support The Royal British Legion, which does so much to recognise the dedication and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country.
“This ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum is a chance to particularly recognise the contribution of our servicewomen, who a century ago were first able to formally enrol in the UK Armed Forces.
“I would strongly encourage any current or ex-servicewoman in our local area to seize this opportunity and apply to attend the event. Likewise anyone who wants to go and show their support can also visit the National Memorial Arboretum and take in the atmosphere in July.”
He added: “Whilst women were first able to enrol in the Armed Forces a hundred years ago, there still remains more work to be done towards equality, with only around 10% of British Armed Forces personnel being female.
“Nonetheless I am pleased that women are now able to join men in close-combat roles on the frontline, showing that Our Girls have just as much to contribute as Our Boys.”
END
