A special Council meeting was held today (19 June) to award Freedom of the City to the Federation of Plymouth and District Ex-Services Association.
The city’s highest honour was awarded for the Association’s hard work and achievements in service of the country and their long and historic association with the city. This includes their commitment to supporting veterans and the Armed Forces community and helping run and support memorial events such as the D-Day Service, the annual Festival of Remembrance, civic events and more.
The Federation are a small group of local people with a desire to support the local Veterans and service related organisations. As well as the Festival of Remembrance, which is organised and financed solely by the Federation, they support small local service charities and good causes regularly.
Councillor Mark Shayer, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “It is an absolute honour to bestow the Federation with Freedom of the City today.
“I am really pleased to hear that we are awarding an Association dedicated to supporting Veterans and our strong Armed Forces community throughout the city. Their great work with engaging in the important events that is held in our city is admirable.”
Councillor Pauline Murphy, President of the Association, said: “It's fantastic that the Council has recognised the brilliant work that the Plymouth Federation of Ex-Services has done over the years and continue to do every day.
“This is a great honour especially for the committee who work incredibly hard, words cannot express how proud we are to be receiving the award of Freedom of the City.”
Basil Downing-Waite, Vice President of the Association, added: “It is always a privilege to support our Armed Forces and Veterans in any way that we can but it is pleasing for that commitment to be acknowledged and we will continue to do so as long as possible."