Scheme aims to give our heroes special welcome (From This is Hampshire)

Scheme aims to give our heroes special welcome

10:00am Monday 21st November 2011 in News By Simon Moss

A SCHEME which gives special recognition to members of the armed forces has been launched in Hampshire.

Heroes Welcome encourages businesses to indicate a warm welcome, special acknowledgement or discount to serving or former servicemen and their families. Participants show their support by putting up a sticker on their premises.

The initiative has been hailed as a particularly significant move in Hampshire, which is the only county to have bases for all three strands of the armed forces.

Hampshire County Council chairman Councillor Anna McNair Scott announced the scheme following a wreath-laying ceremony to mark Armistice Day on Friday, November 11.

Cllr McNair Scott explained: “We can all thank a helpful police officer, fireman, nurse or doctor, but a soldier, sailor or member of the air force does his or her work and we, the ordinary British public, never really get to say a proper thank-you.

“Joining Heroes Welcome helps to remind our heroes that they are indeed very welcome in Hampshire, particularly as we are the only county that has all three services based here.”

John Senior, national co-ordinator of the Heroes Welcome scheme, said: “The Heroes Welcome partnership is delighted and honoured to be joined by Hampshire County Council.

“The launch of Heroes Welcome in Hampshire is significant and will directly benefit service personnel. Membership of Heroes Welcome provides a recognisable and simple method for local communities and business to demonstrate their open support in a way that is meaningful, appropriate and appreciated.”

To take part in the scheme, organisations can visit heroeswelcome.co.uk.