Remembrance service to be held for Veterans at Salisbury care home
Douglas Parish took part in the D-Day landings
Veterans in Salisbury are joining a 98-year-old D-Day veteran for a special service of Remembrance at his Salisbury care home this morning (Friday 10th November).
Commander Douglas Parish is a resident at Colton Care’s Braemar Lodge and will be among 50 people gathering to honour and remember the fallen.
Aged just 19, Douglas was aboard the Royal Navy cruiser HMS Mauritius on 6th June 1944.
“I recall looking out at over 6,900 ships of all kinds,” he said of the landings, which are widely regarded as signalling the beginning of the end of World War II.
Douglas added: ““They were so close you felt you could almost step out and walk across them.”
He was award the Légion d’honneur medal for his role in helping to liberate France.
Other veterans attending the service include fellow residents Anthony Collyns and David Forbes, who served in the same regimental unit of the Army.
There are other service stories within the care home too.
Home Manager Jackie Cash was a nurse in the Princess Mary Royal Air Force Nursing Service, and Companionship Team member Graham Ballard, a former Staff Sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery.
She will play the Last Post on the bugle at the service.
The service will also be attended by Chairman of Salisbury’s Royal British Legion, Jonathan Everett.
He says it’s vital to visit the service men and women in care homes and thank them for what they’ve done.
“I’m very much looking forward to visiting Braemar Lodge and having the chance to sit down and listen to the memories of the veterans there.
“It is so important to do that as we remember and honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
In the lead up to Remembrance season, residents of Colton Care’s 21 care homes have knitted and crocheted thousands of poppies, which are being featured in outdoor hanging displays.
Weather permitting, the Braemar Lodge cascade will be the focal point of today’s service.
Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer said: “Remembrance is always high on the priority list for our residents and their families.
“It’s an opportunity for them to reflect on their experiences and share their memories.