Exactly who are the Phuket Veterans?
Phuket Veterans, formerly known as the International Veterans Association (IVA), are made up of former military personnel from around the world who are now living or spending much of the year in Thailand.
In addition to the former military service members, the Phuket Veterans also include former emergency ‘blue light’ services workers, such as paramedics, firefighters and police. The PV also has some associate members who support the group and enjoy the many social events we have.
Our current membership comes from about 14 different countries so far. As part of the group, and away from the social and community support we undertake, we have a welfare team that are trained in mental health first aid. The ’Welfare Team’ of volunteers will respond when needed, and will try to guide veterans who may be struggling to get back on their feet or get the professional help they may need.
What will happen at the Remembrance (Armistice) day service?
The Remembrance service will be held at the Clubhouse/community centre at the Land & Houses Park gated community in Chalong, just behind Wat Chalong. The service is traditionally timed to coincide with the ending of World War 1, as the Armistice agreement was signed at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918. As such, the service will start at 10:30am and will last about 45 minutes. If people get there a bit early, light refreshments will be available before and after the service. There is loads of parking available too. Don’t worry, it won’t be a stuffy affair or a military overload.
Who can come along?
Absolutely anyone. Wars and conflicts around the world have shaped the way we get to live our lives, for good or for bad. Either way, people lose their lives defending our beliefs and freedoms. It is important that the history is not lost just because the subject is uncomfortable to hear. Events like the Remembrance service give us a chance to simply say thank you and to remember those who served and died. It certainly isn’t glorification of war.
Are schools involved?
We are very lucky to have the support of Headstart International School choir (CAPA) to perform at the service this year. Thanks to the school directors, Headstart School supports the Poppy Appeal every November.
What is the ‘Poppy Appeal’?
The poppy is a well-recognised symbol of peace and remembrance these days. After the guns stopped and WW1 was officially over, the thousands of fallen soldiers in the fields of Flanders in Belgium were recovered, but some remained where they fell. The gruesome site was soon replaced naturally by hundreds of thousands of beautiful poppies that grew there.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) adopted the poppy as their official emblem. They do some incredible work supporting veterans and their families in times of need. Hundreds of former servicemen and women benefit from the RBL charity each year.
We are very lucky to have a RBL branch here in Thailand. Their Welfare team have on several occasions assisted Phuket Veterans in helping stricken veterans on Phuket.
The RBL annually raises funds by receiving donations for poppies that are worn by the donors to show support. Poppies and poppy wreaths will be available on the day of the service from the RBL stall at the clubhouse, and also from many bars, pubs and restaurants around the island. Even if people can’t make the service, please consider picking up and wearing your poppy and making a small donation.
After the service there will be a short poppy-wreath-laying ceremony by the lake.
What happens after the service?
The fun bit. Following Remembrance services in places like the UK and Australia, there is often a reunion or gathering where stories of daring deeds and adventures are told and retold or just made up, by old soldiers over a beer or two. This year we will try to continue that tradition by meeting up in the Green Man pub in Chalong for a family afternoon starting at midday. Again, everyone is welcome to come along.
The schedule times for the event are:
1030hrs - Service begins
1120hrs - Service ends (approx)
1120hrs - Light refreshments available
1200hrs - The ’Reunion’
If I want to come along, what to wear?
If you have never been to a Remembrance service before, don’t worry. Your attendance is more important than what you are wearing. In cooler climates these services can be quite formal. However, here in Thailand it is either very hot or very wet, so come as you feel comfortable. Having said that, some of the more conventional amongst us will know that jackets and ties are customary for Remembrance services. Veterans and service members may wear their medals, former unit headdress and regimental or unit ties.
Also, some people may have service medals at home that were earned by loved ones and family members. If you would like to represent them on the day, you may wear their medals too. It is customary for them to be worn on the right side of the chest.
If someone wishes to join the Phuket Veterans, what do they need to do?
Easy. Just send an SMS to 089-5870819 to let us know the best number to contact you, and a good time to call you back. People can also learn more about us at www.phuketveterans.com or by viewing the Phuket Veterans Facebook page. Don’t forget the Rpyal British Legion donations page is at www.poppyshop.org.uk
Thank you to Steve Pearce for making this article possible.