Remembrance Day: Milton Keynes veterans pay respects in partnership with London Northwestern Railway

Military veterans in Milton Keynes were represented at a major national Remembrance ceremony today (Thu 11 Nov) thanks to a new partnership with rail operator London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

Under the “Routes of Remembrance” initiative, a wreath on behalf of Milton Keynes-based 678 Squadron (Rifles) Army Air Corps was laid at a London memorial after being transported aboard an LNR service to Euston.

The initiative, established by The Veterans Charity, began in the south west of England last year to help veterans who were unable to travel to London to take part in national ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year the scheme has been rolled out nationally, including at Milton Keynes.

This morning military veteran Oscar Wilding attended a short ceremony on the platform at Milton Keynes station before his 678 Squadron wreath was loaded onto the 0941 departure, arriving at London Euston in time for the station’s Remembrance ceremony.

Lawrence Bowman, LNR customer experience director, said: “We are proud to partner with The Veterans Charity to help people in Milton Keynes pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Day.

“With some people unable to travel to London to take part in national ceremonies, we were honoured to take part in the Routes of Remembrance initiative across the railway network.”

Danny Greeno, chief executive of The Veterans Charity, said: “Since expanding the scheme for 2021 we have had a brilliant response across the country. We know the pandemic has not gone away yet and this event has helped veterans engage with Remembrance.

“I would like to thank London Northwestern Railway and our members in Milton Keynes for their efforts in arranging the ceremony and celebrating the deep links between the railway and the military.”

Ends