Remembrance Day will always be an integral part of Corps Security.
Yesterday, to mark Remembrance Sunday, a selection of our Commissionaires, guests and staff marched past the Cenotaph in Whitehall, led by former serviceman and divisional director Nigel Horne. They laid three wreaths at the obelisk, which represents the brave soldiers from the UK, Australia and Canada.
Nigel said, “Participating in the Remembrance March is incredibly meaningful not only to me, but to all our colleagues who are veterans. Having Corps Security take part in the march is testament to our commitment to honour the servicemen and servicewomen’s legacy.”
We were delighted to have been joined on the march by representatives from Combat Stress, The Chelsea Pensioners and Rhondda Sea Cadets. Sea Cadet Emma came with her Instructor P.O. Maguire for the day.
An additional group also visited the Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey to mark Armistice Day, Monday 11th November, where they placed wreaths on the graves of the Commissionaires. They’ll then attend the services at the military cemetery.
Our colleagues also joined us to sell poppies in several locations to raise much needed funds for the Royal British Legion, resulting in a contribution of more than £1000.
To us, Remembrance Day isn’t just one day of the year. It is honoured throughout the year with the Corps Veterans Association (CVA), which is chaired by Nigel Horne. Founded in 2022, the CVA provides support to veterans and their families. We are proud to be an Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Gold accredited business. On 6th June 2024, Nigel Horne, Scott Hudson (commercial manager) and Salman Shamim (solutions director), walked the journey of Remembrance, from the British Normandy Memorial in Ver-sur-Mer to Pegasus Bridge, to observe the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord.
As well as this year’s donation to the Royal British Legion, we also take part in many fundraisers throughout the year for other veteran charities. In the last year, our fundraising activities for Combat Stress, alongside the Army Benevolent Fund and SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association), raised over £26,000. We also provide customers with the option to donate 1% of the contract value to Combat Stress, which provides veteran support around the UK.
Yesterday, Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, presented Corps CEO Mike Bullock with a special poem all about Corps Commissionaires which was a valued tribute to our Commissionaire family and one that we are truly honoured to have received.
Captain Sir Edward Walter founded the Corps of Commissionaires in 1859 to support those returning from the Crimean War, which we remember today with our well-maintained archive. The act of remembrance unites us across borders, cultures, and backgrounds, which has always been the heart of what we do. Corps pays tribute to the brave veterans who gave their lives, as well as the legacies they leave behind.
Let us never forget those who give their life to service. We will remember them.
