Remembrance Appeal
Second World War heroes Richard and John took the vow to serve their country. How will you honour them today?
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Our veterans are dedicated to our country.
During this year's Remembrance period, we are using the words of the hymn I Vow to Thee, My Country to illustrate just how much of a sacrifice our veterans are prepared to make.
I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no questions, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
D-Day veteran Richard vowed to serve his country.
He was just 19 years old. He had no idea that he was to be part of the crucial turning point of the Second World War. Just like he could never have guessed how much he would need your support years later.
They took the vow for us, and now we must be there for them.
"The love that never falters"
Seven months before D-Day, Richard was serving with the Royal Engineers. He was tasked with constructing the British Mulberry harbour. It was top secret but, just as the hymn states, Richard asked no questions. He was simply determined to carry out his duty. Once finished, they towed the Mulberry harbour over to France and installed it. It was a strategic triumph, giving the Allies a base off Normandy for refuelling and for reinforcements.
On D-Day itself, Richard was ashore, clearing mines from the beaches. He survived but he knew many who didn't.
Richard risked his life every day for five years to make a better world for future generations. But decades later, he found his service forgotten as he struggled alone with sight loss.
"The love that pays the price"
When we first met Richard, life was desperately tough. His days were so empty that he sat in his chair all day in the dark. Thankfully it's different now.
His Blind Veterans UK support worker assessed him and provided some life-changing equipment. He has a machine to play music and talking books on, filling his days with entertainment. He has a scanner to read his own post so now he has his privacy back and has control of his finances again.
Your donation today will give another blind veteran back their happiness and independence.
"The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice"
Richard, and the thousands of others that took part in D-Day were all prepared to give their lives for our country. We all must remember their courage and dedication.
No veteran who took the vow to serve their country should struggle with sight loss. Some urgently need a cane so they can get outside again. Others need talking kitchen equipment, like a one-cup kettle, so they can live independently and safely. All Richard needed to transform his life was a device so he could play music and talking books easily. What they all need is for you to remember and honour their service.
To honour Richard and his fellow veterans, young and old, please donate so they can rebuild their lives.
Please will you honour blind veterans who made the vow?
We must honour the service of our veterans. And what better way than to provide them with an independent and joyful tomorrow.
Richard's fellow Second World War veteran John wrote a poem
John was moved to write this beautiful poem to honour the fallen. Now 99, John suffers from macular degeneration. He has handed the rights of his poem to Blind Veterans UK to say thank you for the support he has received. We are truly honoured.
John recites his poem, remembering his comrades who did not return from the Second World War.
Will you help support veterans like John?
Images appear courtesy of Wales Online
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