VETERANS of the three armed services are being urged to join a special ceremony that will take place in Swindon’s town centre next month.

The ceremony will take place at Wharf Green at 11am on Wednesday, June 23, when former members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF will be presented with the HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Badge.

They will receive the enamel lapel badge from the Mayor of Swindon in recognition of serving their country in various military capacities over the decades.

Members of the reserves and volunteers, as well as regulars, are entitled to the honour, which is aimed at raising the profile of the work of the Armed Forces since the Second World War.

The HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 to raise the profile among the public of the contribution made by former members of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.

At first it only applied to the generation who served in the Second World War but now all veterans can apply.

The badge is enamelled, engraved and pinned, featuring the words “HM Armed Forces – Veteran”, which encompass the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif.

It is intended to unite all veterans in recognising the commonality of their service, to encourage unity and community between veterans and to ignite public recognition of veterans and their contribution to society.

The ceremony will be part of the build-up to the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 26. It is one of several key events being staged at Swindon town centre throughout Armed Forces Week from June 21-27.

Simon Jackson, the chief executive of town centre management company inSwindon, which is hosting the Armed Forces events, said: “This badge is a fitting tribute to all those local people who have served as members of the Armed Services over the years.”

To register for the badge, complete the online registration form at www.inswindon.com or ring Suzy Johnson at inSwindon on 01793 485523.

The closing date for application for this year’s ceremony is May 31.