Ex-Royal Marines Colonel Al Carns Makes History at the Cenotaph

Marching with Veterans

Former Royal Marines Colonel Al Carns has broken barriers by becoming the first serving defence minister to march alongside veterans at the Cenotaph. Carns, aged 42, boasts an impressive military career with five tours in Afghanistan and a Military Medal under his belt.

A Touching Tribute

Donning his green beret, Colonel Carns stood in solidarity with the Royal Marines Association members, expressing, "To all those that never made it home, we carry your memory and your sacrifice with us today and every day."

Honoring the Veterans

The new UK Afghanistan Veterans’ Community marked their presence with a march, accompanied by notable veterans such as 104-year-old Christian Lamb. Lamb, a pivotal figure in plotting the D-Day landings in Churchill’s war rooms, is one of the last surviving members of the Women's Royal Naval Service, known as the Wrens, to have served throughout World War Two.

A Legacy Remembered

Christian Lamb, who played a crucial role in planning the D-Day landings by creating detailed maps for the Normandy beaches, reflected on the sacrifices made, stating, "It is a great honour to take part in the Royal British Legion’s veteran march for the first time to remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice."

Oldest Veterans in Attendance

Among the veterans was 101-year-old RAF corporal Joe Randall, the oldest man on parade, who served in Normandy in 1944 constructing airfields as the front line progressed.

It was a poignant moment as these veterans came together to pay tribute to their fallen comrades and to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten.