08/11/2019

The Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) Charity, its ‘Welsh Flying Medics’ and Babcock pilots are commemorating the sacrifices made by members of the armed forces in the line of duty.  

As we approach Remembrance Day on 11 November, the nation is coming together to recognise the sacrifices made by so many men and women during past conflicts.

Welsh Flying Medic Dr Ami Jones serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves with the 203 Field Hospital. She said: “Those of us who have been a part of the armed forces understand the impact that conflict has, not just on the individual but on their family and friends. People who are prepared to make the greatest sacrifice deserve the highest respect and our service is demonstrating our appreciation in a dignified way.”

The Wreath of Respect

In the build-up to Armistice Day, Wales Air Ambulance’s Welshpool base received a visit from the Wreath of Respect.

The Wreath of Respect is a project set up in 2014 and now in its 5th year. 

The Wreath was commissioned by an anonymous donor to commemorate the Centenary of the start of WW1 and to show appreciation and respect for all who have been affected by conflict, whether they served or not, and their families and descendants.

The Wreath also acknowledges the sacrifice and service of all animals, represented by the horseshoe supporting the hand-made wreath of metal poppies. The horseshoe was gifted to the project and came from one of the horses which pulled the gun carriage bringing soil from Flanders Fields to the Memorial Garden at Horseguards.

Over the years, the Wreath of Respect has travelled around the United Kingdom and overseas, where it has been laid at memorials and sites connected to the military. It is hoped future travels of the Wreath will be supported and funded by voluntary donations from members of the public, the corporate sector, and the military. 

Wales Air Ambulance Mid-Wales Fundraising Manager, Andrew Hall said: “It was nothing short of a privilege to welcome the wreath to our Welshpool base. With many of our medics and pilots having served in the armed forces before joining us, it was of particular resonance. As each year passes by, it is of vital importance that we remember those who so bravely put their lives before anybody else.”

-

Wales Air Ambulance Shops Recognise Armistice Day

In addition to marking the two minutes silence to remember those who lost their lives in conflict, Wales Air Ambulance shops across Wales have been also adorning their shop windows with poppy-themed displays.

The eye-catching shop-window displays drew particular attention in Wrexham town centre. Wales Air Ambulance Head of Retail and Trading, Andrew Lawton said: “It is important as a Charity that we mark this important anniversary. Our shops are always very creative when coming up with eye-catching displays, and the poppy-themed windows have been received very well, not least for the respect it shows for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”