The people behind Remembrance
Remembrance is the most important time of year for blind veterans, our charity and the wider military community.
It not only brings people together to honour those who served and remember old comrades, but it's also a chance to continue traditions passed down through generations.
Those traditions endure through ceremony, personal acts of remembrance and the practical support that helps blind veterans take part.
Meet some of the people who make that possible.
The grave restorer
In the same cemetery, some military headstones are kept bright white while others are left to darken. Steve believes they all deserve the same care.
Royal Green Jackets veteran Steve began cleaning graves after finding the neglected grave of a young rifleman from his former regiment. Since then, he's restored more than 1,300 graves.
What started with one grave became a mission. Steve has since cared for military graves and memorials across the country, including headstones at our cemetery in Brighton and the grave of our founder, Sir Arthur Pearson.
“I look after those graves. I remember those graves. I just don’t want them to be forgotten.”
The standard bearer
Our Standard represents every blind veteran, past and present. When the Last Post sounds, the bearer lowers it and holds it still through the two-minute silence.
Blind veteran Wayne has carried our Standard for several years and has since trained other blind veterans for the role, using a handbook he developed himself. Among them is Simy, who is our first female standard bearer. Simy says:
“I’m proud to be carrying the Standard. I’ll be thinking of past and present blind veterans, all those who sacrificed their lives for us and relatives who were in the wars.”
The bugler
Bugle calls have long been part of military commemorations. The Last Post once told soldiers their camp was secure for the night. At Remembrance, it marks the start of the silence.
Blind veteran Rob began learning the bugle through our charity, after spending time with veterans who had served during the Second World War, Korea, Malaya and other conflicts.
He wanted to honour them, as well as the friends and colleagues he lost during his service.
He has dedicated hours to learning the instrument so he can play at commemorations and military funerals.
“We always show respect for the fallen because we know the sacrifices that they’ve made.”
The marcher
A march past, or a military salute, is a tradition dating back from July 1919, when troops marched past a temporary Cenotaph in silence. Around 10,000 veterans now march past for Remembrance.
Second World War veteran Michael Woods, 102, has marched with our contingent in London. Called up in 1943, he served in the Royal Air Force as a mechanic on Lancaster bombers.
“What an experience it was to march. I was so proud, and I will keep marching with Blind Veterans UK for as long as I’m able.”
The wreath layer
When a temporary Cenotaph was built in 1919, people came in huge numbers to leave wreaths and flowers at its base. Laying a wreath has been part of Remembrance ever since.
Blind veteran Kelly was the first to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph alongside a guide dog. With Archie at her side, she led our contingent and laid the wreath on behalf of Blind Veterans UK.
“Leading the contingent and laying the wreath on behalf of Blind Veterans UK is a huge privilege, and to have my guide dog Archie beside me, enabling me to represent the fantastic work of not only Blind Veterans UK but also Guide Dogs, is really special.”
The chaplain
Each year, charity chaplain George leads the Remembrance service at our Rustington Centre, bringing blind veterans, families and staff together to honour those who served.
Providing pastoral support throughout the year, George describes leading the service as an honour and a privilege.
"I hope and pray that those gathered will know this is not a one-off gesture but an annual act of solemn remembrance, from the King and dignitaries at the Cenotaph to the humblest village memorial."
The guide
A guide helps a blind veteran through the crowd and into their place on parade. Once the march begins, they quietly call out the step.
Volunteer Bob served for 14 years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He first guided blind veterans on the ski slopes, and now marches beside them at the Cenotaph. He says every veteran he has escorted wants the same thing: to march in step and look their best.
"One thing I have learned about all the veterans I've guided, without fail, is they are all very proud ex-service men and women.
"It is a proud moment. I think that's why we all do it."
The candle maker
Remembrance can be marked in personal ways as well as through formal ceremonies.
Blind veteran Tony makes special candles with space on each label for the name of someone being remembered.
After losing his sight, Tony adapted his candle-making using tools including talking scales and magnifiers. His candles give others a personal way to remember and raise money for fellow blind veterans.
“Making candles helps me focus my thoughts and emotions into something beautiful.”
The cab driver
The fantastic drivers from Cabs for Veterans and Poppy Cabs Scotland play a vital role in helping blind veterans take part in Remembrance events in London and Edinburgh each year.
Cabs for Veterans will once again support all attendees travelling to the Cenotaph Service in London by providing free taxi transport to and from key hub locations.
Mike Hughes, Founder of Cabs for Veterans, said:
“We believe that every veteran who wishes to pay their respects should have the opportunity to do so. For many of those attending Remembrance events, particularly blind and disabled veterans, getting there can be the biggest challenge.
"Providing free transport is our way of ensuring they can take their rightful place alongside their comrades and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is a privilege for us to support them, and we are proud to be doing so for the 17th year.”
The cadet
For cadets across the UK, Remembrance serves as an opportunity to stand alongside the wider military community and uphold traditions.
Every year, blind veteran Tony organises a special Armistice Day service at Brighton Train Station, but he does not do this alone - he has some fantastic support including that of a local cadet group who have marched with him since 2018.
225 (Brighton No.1) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, led by Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Pat Bryder, is made up of young people aged 12 to 20. Pat says:
"It means everything to see the next generation taking part in Remembrance events. They may be young, but some reflect on their relatives who fought in past conflicts, they have a real understanding of why we gather together to remember. It is an honour to stand beside the blind veterans at this event."
The tradition we carry forward
We were founded in 1915 to support servicemen who had lost their sight during the First World War.
When the Armistice was announced in 1918, blind veterans at St Dunstan’s joined people across London in marking the end of the conflict.
Their experiences are part of what Remembrance means to us today. We remember those who gave their lives, and those who returned from service with life-changing injuries.
We are grateful to everyone who continues to mark Remembrance, whether by taking part, giving their time or helping a blind veteran to be there.
Together, their contributions help ensure that the people, service and sacrifice behind Remembrance are not forgotten.
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