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Blackpool to host Veterans' Day | Blackpool to host Veterans' Day |
(about 9 hours later) | |
Blackpool has been named as the host of this year's National Veterans' Day. | Blackpool has been named as the host of this year's National Veterans' Day. |
Thousands of people are expected in the resort on 27 June, after it beat off Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh for the event. | Thousands of people are expected in the resort on 27 June, after it beat off Liverpool, Glasgow, Manchester and Edinburgh for the event. |
The announcement was made by Derek Twigg, the minister for veterans, at the Imperial War Museum in London. | The announcement was made by Derek Twigg, the minister for veterans, at the Imperial War Museum in London. |
Mr Twigg said that a number of "excellent bids" had been put forward for the national event but that Blackpool's "stood out". | Mr Twigg said that a number of "excellent bids" had been put forward for the national event but that Blackpool's "stood out". |
"I congratulate them on the excellence of their bid," he added. | "I congratulate them on the excellence of their bid," he added. |
"Veterans are of all ages with a variety of different backgrounds, and they all deserve our recognition. | "Veterans are of all ages with a variety of different backgrounds, and they all deserve our recognition. |
Blackpool has a special place in the hearts of many veterans Robert WynneMayor of Blackpool | Blackpool has a special place in the hearts of many veterans Robert WynneMayor of Blackpool |
"Not only have they honoured their commitment to defend our country's interests in service, they have also used their skills and experiences to enrich their local communities." | "Not only have they honoured their commitment to defend our country's interests in service, they have also used their skills and experiences to enrich their local communities." |
Blackpool has been holding an annual Veterans' Week since 2005. | Blackpool has been holding an annual Veterans' Week since 2005. |
It was given £3.5m by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to support events over a three-year period. | It was given £3.5m by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) to support events over a three-year period. |
This year's Veterans' Week will run from 21 to 29 June. | This year's Veterans' Week will run from 21 to 29 June. |
'Historical links' | 'Historical links' |
Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne, said: "Blackpool is absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the host for National Veterans' Day 2008. | Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne, said: "Blackpool is absolutely delighted to have been chosen as the host for National Veterans' Day 2008. |
"It's a great honour for the town. | "It's a great honour for the town. |
"Blackpool has many historical links with the Armed Forces and has a special place in the hearts of many veterans." | "Blackpool has many historical links with the Armed Forces and has a special place in the hearts of many veterans." |
The National Veterans Day was established in 2006 and is designed to thank ex-servicemen and women for their service. | The National Veterans Day was established in 2006 and is designed to thank ex-servicemen and women for their service. |
Mr Twigg also announced an extension to eligibility for HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge. | |
All veterans can now apply, whereas previously it was available only for veterans who had served at any time up to 1970. |
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