The Veteran Issue 5

You don't have to be
ex military to join
The
Royal British Legion
and make a
difference
I was honoured to represent my Service at the Cenotaph one
Remembrance Sunday, although an honour, it was more of a
ceremony than really understanding what lay behind the event.
I didn’t really have a clue.
Later in service we didn’t send a representative to Remembrance
Sunday, appalled, I felt it was something ‘we’ (the Police Service)
should do, rather than fully understand the why it was done.
I didn’t really have a clue.
Branch Chairman John Pratt
carrying out the duties of District
Standard Bearer at the Poppy
Appeal Launch 2020
I survived for more than 30 years (more by luck and good fortune
rather than skill) and took on a new career in law enforcement but
from the other side (trying to keep them out instead of locking them
up).
Still, I didn’t really have a clue.
I retired to Spain, another dream fulfilled, (I think we earned it),
looking for sun and relaxation, and peace from my previous world.
The RBL in Spain?
I really didn’t have a clue.
Accosted by a Legion stalwart, (peace was shattered and the
relaxation disappeared), I became a member.
But I didn’t really have a clue.
A talk from District CSO, as to what the legion could offer, prison
visits, practical / financial help, raising funds, telephone buddies.
I didn’t really have a clue.
Being fitter, (fortunately) than most, ‘can you carry this? they said.
Welcome the new Standard Bearer.
But I didn’t really have a clue.
I thought I might do more, so offered my (practically non-existent) Secretary skills, “thanks”, they
said.
But I didn’t really have a clue.
Then ‘the big one, Chairman! You are having a laugh I said, but no-one else wanted the job.
I didn’t really have a clue.
“Service not self”
Now I know what that means
But I still don’t really have a clue!
But I am getting there and so could you, join the Branch, get involved even if
You don't really have a clue
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