Veterans Aid’s 90 years of uninterrupted operation has been marked by a service of thanksgiving at the charity’s partner church in the City of London, St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate.
CEO of Veterans Aid Wing Commander Dr Hugh Milroy said afterwards, “This was a day upon which to reflect, give thanks and look forward to the future. Sadly, due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth, our original date had to be abandoned, but those unable to reschedule at short notice were able to be with us online. (See video below)
In his welcome, Father David Armstrong, Rector of St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate and Padre to Veterans Aid, said, “We at St Botolph’s are proud of our association with Veterans Aid; we share very many values and are passionate about caring for those in need. St Botolph, to whom our church here is dedicated, is the Patron Saint of Wayfarers – and for all those who are on any kind of journey. In mediaeval times it was a place of sanctuary for those who arrived at London in the evening, when the city gates were closed. It was a place of encouragement where those about to set out on a journey would come for a blessing before they went on their way. Veterans Aid, too, offers that sanctuary and encouragement to all it reaches out to.”
In responding to Father Armstrong’s welcome Dr Milroy recalled how the charity and the church had become affiliated, “When I thought of Veterans Aid this, of all the churches I have ever been in, was the most appropriate. St Botolph, of course, was the Patron Saint of travellers, but this church is also a place of welcome for strangers, like Veterans Aid – and that’s what it’s all about.”
Before presenting St Botolph’s with a framed engraving of Hogarth’s painting of the Parable of the Good Samaritan Dr Milroy paid tribute to the charity’s supporters and all who had contributed to VA’s success. “I personally wanted a permanent record of the affiliation between the Church and the Charity but also to act as a focal point to commemorate the staff, trustees and our wonderful Patron (The Dowager Viscountess Rothermere) for all that they’ve done to make this the world beating charity that it is.”
Framed engraving of Hogarth’s painting of the Parable of the Good Samaritan
Described by Father Armstrong as “a symbol of the selfless support offered to all in need by Veterans Aid” the engraving will stand at the entrance of church as a permanent reminder of “our duty to care for one another and a mark of the emotional, practical and spiritual union between St Botolph’s Church and Veterans Aid”.
Those present were also reminded of the charity’s origins and how far it had come since 1932 when destitute veterans slept on the Thames Embankment. Veterans Aid Honorary Life President, Brigadier Johnny Rickett, reminded those present of the many services it now offered to veterans in crisis – counselling, addiction treatment and rehab, debt management, access to education, retraining and introduction to new skills. In closing, he paid tribute to the achievements of the charity during the Global Pandemic when it never faltered for one day to stand firm against enormous odds.
The Veterans Aid Prayer written by Father David Armstrong:
Lord, bless and strengthen the work of Veterans Aid that it may,
with humility and strength, serve those who first served us.
Help us restore dignity, respect and well-being where there is shame,
doubt and hurt. Make us ever vigilant to the needs of our veterans and
ever active in our care.
Pour into our hearts that love for all humanity that we
may ever see the need for aid and hear the voices which go unheard.
Hold in your hands and bless good Lord all servicemen and women with no
place to call home. Sustain and nurture those who come in from the street and bless all those
who serve in the service of Veterans Aid.
