November 21, 2014

Dear Sir,

I write to apologise for the distress that the Regiment caused to some family members of veterans who had intended to march and parade on Remembrance Day on the 11th November as part of the national Cenotaph Service.

This happened when a member of the Regiment, acting in good faith, incorrectly informed the family members that the Ceremonials Committee had reserved the right to march for veterans only.

This was a result of a misunderstanding, which has since been clarified and measures have been put in place to prevent a reoccurrence.

Moving forward, having consulted the Ceremonials Committee, I can confirm that veterans are defined as a former serviceperson in receipt of an operational service medal from HM The Queen (or Allied country), and that a relative of a veteran who is no longer with us (or infirm and unable to parade) is very welcome to form a separate detachment on parade and to march to represent their loved one — as has been the recent custom.

We deeply regret inadvertently causing offence.

We hold the families of veterans in high esteem, not least as we are fully aware of the sacrifices that the families of servicemen and servicewomen make, and the last thing we would wish is to cause them any distress.

Yours Faithfully,

ME FOSTER-BROWN

Lieutenant Colonel

Commanding Officer