EVERY year millions are moved by the touching sight of veterans bowing their heads in remembrance at the Cenotaph.
As a nation falls silent to remember the fallen, hundreds will gather at the war memorial in Whitehall to lead the nation in honouring our brave service personell.
This year, Kidlington war veteran Peter Phipps will be taking his place at the Westminster ceremony, marching to the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday.
The 85-year-old war veteran from Kidlington will be one of more than 100 representatives of the charity Blind Veterans UK He has been a speaker for the charity and marched to the Cenotaph last year.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it made me feel very proud.
“It’s really an emotional rollercoaster.
“The crowds are cheering you on and it feels great, but then you realise that it’s not about you. You’re doing it for those that couldn’t come home.”
Mr Phipps served in the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War.
He was injured during a parachute jump in Holland.
He then became an instrument mechanic based at RAF Upper Heyford near Bicester before being discharged in 1949.
Mr Phipps’ eyesight began to deteriorate and he has been volunteering for the charity since 2012.
Once again he will take on the emotional journey to the Cenotaph to raise awareness for the charity dedicated to supporting vision impaired ex-service men and women.
- The Cenotaph service
Mr Phipps added: “I still meet people – even older people – who don’t know about Blind Veterans UK.
“I think it’s a real shame, and it’s important for us to make people aware of the fantastic work that they do, and difference they can make to ex-service personnel who have lost their sight.”
Following his time serving, Mr Phipps completed an apprenticeship and served as a director of several companies.
The Queen will also be in attendance at the National Service of Remembrance at Whitehall in London.
Her Majesty will lay a wreath, which will be filled with tributes to all who have suffered and died in war.
Blind Veterans UK estimates that 68,000 other veterans could be eligible for extra support and help without realising it.
- Anyone who served in the Armed Forced or National Service who suffers with sight loss for any reason, or their friends and relatives, can visit www.noonealone.org or to call 0800 389 7979
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