LOUGHBOROUGH VETERAN TO FULFILL PROMISE TO HIS FATHER
An army veteran, who lives in Loughborough, Leicestershire, is one of 44 veterans, carers, and staff from Help for Heroes, who will pay tribute to fallen comrades by joining the Cenotaph march-past on Remembrance Sunday (10 November), in London, as he fulfils a promise to his father.
The veterans who have all been supported by the Charity, along with members of staff who have also served, will form part of the Help for Heroes’ delegation at the annual parade, which sees 10,000 members of the veteran community marching shoulder to shoulder in an act of remembrance along Whitehall.
Roger Bacon, 73, enlisted in the army in 1973 and served as a Royal Engineer. He served in Germany and Northern Ireland and left service in 1980. Unfortunately, he developed anxiety and depression because of his experiences on his tour of Northern Ireland.
Roger’s father Raymond served in WWII, including in Burma and Palestine and his grandfather Jake Wilson was captured during the battle of the Somme in WWI and survived being sent to the salt mines. Roger promised his father that one day he would march past the Cenotaph wearing his medals.
Roger explained: “I’ve taken part in local parades before, however, this one will be special, because I know my father will be looking down on me. I’m marching to honour my father and grandfather for their war efforts, as well as remembering comrades who were killed or injured.
“I will be honouring every life that was lost for freedom and will be proud to wear my father’s medals for him. I think it is important to respect everyone who fought for our freedom and paid the ultimate price.”
Roger contacted Help for Heroes, in 2022, and has been receiving counselling from the Hidden Wounds mental health team and the community nursing team.
A spokesman for Help for Heroes added: “As we join the nation to commemorate the men and women who lost their lives while serving our country, Help for Heroes also remembers those still fighting their own battles today.
“We remain at the side of veterans like Roger and their families who are struggling with painful injuries, mental trauma, isolation, and more – providing life-changing support for as long as it takes – fighting for the peace they deserve.”
Help for Heroes champions the Armed Forces community and helps them live well after service. The charity helps veteran families to recover and get on with their lives. Thanks to the generosity of the British public, it has already supported more than 31,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
The Charity supports veterans and their families, from any branch of the UK military – regulars or reserves – irrespective of length or place of service, and locally embedded civilians who worked under the command of UK Armed Forces.
Supporting our veterans is a wonderful living tribute to the memory of the fallen. To support Help for Heroes in transforming lives, please visit helpforheroes.org.uk/donate.
