Stowmarket Royal Naval Association (RNA), which earlier this year became the first branch to be commissioned in the east of England for 14 years, has celebrated the blessing of its standard.
The ceremony was conducted by Pastor George Samiec, an Australian who has been in the UK since 2002. He also serves as a police chaplain for Suffolk Constabulary and as the ‘padre’ for the local Sea Cadet Unit in Mildenhall.
Commissioned just four months ago, Stowmarket RNA now has 20 shipmates on its ‘Watch and Station Bill’.
This year on Remembrance Sunday, members of the branch will take their place in Stowmarket’s parade through the town centre before attending a church service and paying their respects at the town’s Memorial Gates. Pete Chivers of the Stowmarket RNA said: “Every member is proud of having served in the Royal Navy and continues to follow the traditions and camaraderie that only Naval Service life can instil.”
The branch meets at 7.30pm on the third Tuesday of each month at the Royal British Legion club in Tavern Street.
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