Members of Pershore & District RNA joined up with fellow Branches up and down the country at the unveiling of the Naval Service Memorial at the National Arboretum on Sunday June 15.

Over 100 Standard Bearers and 2000 Veterans paraded behind the Royal Marine Band along with RNR Queen's Colour, Guards, Contingents from HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent and Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent. Also present at the Service was the Lord Lieutenant for Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson, the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Zambellas & Lady Zambellas and Vice Admiral John McAnally as well National RNA Chairman & President Chris Dovey OBE and other senior members of the Royal Naval Association.

The main memorial was officially unveiled by Prince Michael of Kent. It comprises of 13 coloured glass panels, described by designer Graeme Mitcheson as "sails" representing the various oceans of the world. Shipmate Chris Dovey later unveiled the figure of a bowed sailor which stands facing towards the sun during his reading of "Binyon's Lines". The sunlight through the glass panels will reflect upon the white terrace to become like a pool of water of the five oceans. The Memorial is dedicated to the entire Naval Service including the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, Wrens, Queen Alexandra's Nurses and Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The project has been the main focus of the Association's 60th Anniversary celebrations of the receiving of the Royal Charter back in 1954.

Pershore & District Branch will be holding their own celebrations on Saturday July 19 with a 1940's Night at Pershore Naval Social Club in aid of the Poppy Appeal and their annual Sea Sunday Service the next day.

Photograph below shows members of Pershore & District RNA in front of the memorial after the ceremony.