Cold War Veterans Blog

MP backs call for Cold War honours

03 April 2009

Veterans who served during the Cold War should be given a medal recognising their military service, a Northampton MP has claimed.

Brian Binley, Conservative MP for Northampton South, said those who had served in the forces since World War Two should be given a National Defence Medal, similar to an award given out in France.

In a letter to John Hutton, the Secretary of State ADVERTISEMENTfor Defence, Mr Binley said the medal would particularly recognise the efforts of those who served in the Cold War period between the mid-1940s and 1991, which was dominated by a stand-off between America and Russia.

The MP's letter stated: "I add my voice to the many who are calling for a National Defence Medal for those veterans, past and present, who served for many years in our armed forces with nothing to show for it.

"I don't need to tell you that many of those, of course, served during the Cold War and received no official recognition whatsoever."

Mr Binley decided to write to the Government minister after being contacted by residents and veterans living in Northampton.

He said: "It's about time the Government listened to our veterans because they are the ones who have put their lives on the line in order to serve Queen and country.

"Our veterans just want to receive the recognition that they deserve."

The national campaign for the creation of a National Defence Medal is being led by a group of service veterans.

The group said: "It is our belief that an National Defence Medal is a reasonable and proper way for the nation to demonstrate to all the armed forces that their service is appreciated.

"A small token of recognition for putting themselves at the mercy of the country's leaders in the hope it will act in the citizens' best interests.

"A medal that can be officially worn on parade with pride."

For more information on the campaign, go to www.nationaldefencemedal.webs.com




The full article contains 336 words and appears in Northampton Chron & Echo newspaper

Last Updated: 02 April 2009 10:53 PM
Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
Location: Northampton