ARMY, Navy and Air Force veterans will get special treatment again this year when a Solihull travel firm provides them with free transport to the annual Remembrance Sunday parade in Knowle.
In a unique partnership spanning more than 35 years, LandFlight has taken the strain for hundreds of former service personnel from Knowle Royal British Legion Club on this important day in their calendars.
On Sunday, a LandFlight low-floor bus will take more than a dozen veterans, aged up to 90, to the parade and service, which commemorates the contribution of servicemen and women in the two world wars and later conflicts.
Knowle Royal British Legion chairman Ray Warren said: “LandFlight started providing free transport for us decades ago, when they were still known as Silverline.
“It started as a lift in a little minibus and now we have up to 25 veterans going to the parade and service, so they are good enough to provide us with a coach. As always, we are very grateful for their help.”
Knowle is traditionally a very well-attended service, with up to 600 veterans on parade and hundreds of people watching by the roadside.
Mr Warren added: “Knowle is one of the best parades I know of outside Bedworth, which is traditionally known as the best in the country. Seeing the parade and spectators fills you with pride and is great to see. It is a very important day in the calendar.”
LandFlight director Danny Matthews was delighted the firm has been able to continue its support of the Legion and its members.
He said: “It’s a pleasure for us to be able to support for this event and donate a driver and bus on Sunday.
“The company had been helping the Legion and its members since long before any of us here were involved, so we’re more than happy to continue the tradition for as long as we are required.”
LandFlight staff with members of the Knowle Royal British Legion at the 2016 Remembrance Day service. (s)
