Remembering our heroes both past and present

This Armistice Day, Rob Shenton, who works for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Maritime Future Technologies team, reflects on one of his proudest moments.

In November last year, Rob, a veteran of the British Armed Forces, marched in the first column at the annual Remembrance Sunday gathering, at the Cenotaph and through central London.

The occasion was a very special one for not only Rob but for the thousands of other current and former British Armed Forces men and women in attendance; by remembering those who died in World War One and later conflicts.

“I’m proud to have served and led," Rob, who is also a leader of the Civil Service Veterans Network, said. "There was no greater honour than that day last November to honour our fallen and to remind the nation of those that continue to suffer.

"When I left the Armed Forces I felt ashamed and that I had let my friends down. But, that day last November, made me realise I was wrong and that, just because I no longer wear a uniform, it does not mean that anything changes," Rob, who also attended Remembrance Day events in November 2016 - two months after being medically discharged from the British Armed Forces - added.


Spurred on by his love for the military, Rob is also part of the ‘Band of Brothers’ network for Help for Heroes, the British charity which provides lifelong recovery support to service personnel who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty; as well as to their families.

Rob's involvement with the 'Band of Brothers' saw him join fellow veterans at Horse Guards Parade in St James's Park, as part of Remembrance Sunday events last year, to pay homage to service men and women, past and present.

He also had the opportunity, that day, to carry and place a wreath at the foot of the Cenotaph - before speaking to BBC Breakfast about his own experiences, which included discussing and raising awareness about mental health issues; and how those that serve and veterans can be affected.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency would like to thank Rob for sharing his experiences especially during this time of reflection and remembrance where we remember our heroes both past and present. We remember those who lost their lives during conflict, but also those who suffer every day for what they have experienced on the battlefield.

For more on the available support: https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/get-support/





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