Corps Security Marches For Remembrance Sunday
Every year, Remembrance Sunday gives us time to pay tribute to the brave servicemen and women who gave their lives to protect others and honour the veterans who face challenges after surviving conflict.
On the 9th of November, members of our Corps Veteran Association (CVA), the Corps Security Commissionaires, Commissionaires Canada, colleagues and guests came together in Whitehall to parade past the Cenotaph, the national war memorial that has been visited by members of the Royal Family, Government officials, and Military representatives since 1920. Corps was honoured to once again join the centre of the UK’s commemorations.
Welcoming our Canadian colleagues
On Friday the 7th, we were pleased to welcome our colleagues and our Canadian contingent, Commissionaires Canada, with a drinks reception. The Canadian Corps of Commissionaires was founded in 1925 and modelled after the British Corps of Commissionaires, to employ Canadian veterans after the First World War.
Its foundation follows a similar history to our own. In 1859, Captain Sir Edward Walter established the Corps of Commissionaires to employ those returning from the Crimean War.
Remembering, together
Ahead of Remembrance Day, some of our group attended the Lady Mayor’s show on Saturday, the 8th, the civic procession held yearly since the early 13th century. The age-old tradition sees the newly elected Mayor travel upriver to distant Westminster and swear loyalty to the King. The first year to host a Lady Mayor, rather than a Lord, the event allowed guests to witness a refreshed version of a historic act unique to London.
On Remembrance Sunday, the group viewed the parade from the back of Whitehall and joined the parade party at The Naval & Military Club for a ceremonial luncheon. Colleagues and guests came together to commemorate those lost by reciting the Ode for the Fallen, Last Post, and holding toasts honouring those lost.
The parade is one of many Corps Remembrance commemorations this year. On Tuesday, 11th November, we come together again for Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of the First World War. On this day, Corps representatives gather in our burial ground in Brookwood Cemetery to lay wreaths at the graves of Commissionaires.
Remembrance is a unifying moment, and being able to invite Canadian commissionaires and other guests to commemorate with us is a privilege.
Reflections on the day
Nigel Horne, Divisional Director and Chair of the CVA, said: “Remembrance Sunday is a profound moment for everyone at Corps. As a former serviceman myself, I’m incredibly proud to lead our parade past the Cenotaph. Standing together at Whitehall, alongside our Canadian colleagues and guests, we carry forward that legacy of service and support.”
Remembrance is a poignant period at Corps and reinforces our dedication to support veterans not just in employment, but with mental health challenges, and in helping their wider support network.
The CVA supports our veterans, and fundraises for active and ex-servicemen and women, along with their families. As an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold-accredited business, we are proud to support veterans in their transition from service to civilian positions.
As we continue to work closely with veterans, we must never forget those who lost their lives to service. We will remember them.
Find out more about our veteran support on our Corps Veterans Association page and its LinkedIn page.
