Representatives from across the Naval Family, including serving personnel and veterans, marched past the Cenotaph on Whitehall yesterday at the Royal Naval Association’s Biennial Parade, held during the Association’s 75th anniversary year.
Serving personnel from HMS COLLINGWOOD and HMS SULTAN marched past as well as representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and 12 Naval Associations including the Association of Wrens, Association of Royal Yachtsmen, Submariners Association and the Merchant Navy Association. We were also joined by members of the Irish Naval Association and the Belgian Naval Association.
Captain Bill Oliphant, CEO of the Royal Naval Association, said:
“This 75th anniversary year is a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of the Royal Naval Association and the community it represents. For seven and a half decades, the RNA has brought together serving personnel, veterans and families, ensuring that the bonds forged in the Royal Navy last a lifetime.
“With nearly 25,000 members worldwide, our Association remains a living testament to the motto ‘Once Navy, Always Navy.’ Today’s parade gives us the chance to unite as one Naval Family – to celebrate our shared identity and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The event was supported with a grant from Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity to assist with travel costs so more Shipmates could take part.
Katrine Sallows from the Royal Naval Association Stowmarket Branch said:
“I think it’s important to be here to unite us and to remember everyone who has gone before us.”
Andy Sears from the Royal Naval Association Edinburgh Branch said:
“I’ve come down with the Brand Standard which has never been here before. This is very important to me because, before now I was homeless, and because of the RNA and other charities I’m not homeless anymore and I’m having a wonderful time being back in the RNA.”
Alice Farrow, Director at the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, said:
“It is so important to support organisations like the Royal Naval Association, particularly when they are promoting comradeship across the generations. The bonds of the Naval Family span decades, and ensuring those connections remain strong is vital to the wellbeing of our serving personnel, veterans and their families.”
The RNA is the biggest collective group of Royal Naval veterans, serving personnel and their families, with nearly 25,000 members and over 240 branches in the UK and overseas.
We provide those with a link to the Royal Navy access to a life-long community of like-minded and supportive individuals. Our community provides companionship, resilience, comradeship and unity to anyone and everyone with a Naval story, supporting them through life’s highs and lows.
