We were asked by SAMA if we would be interested in attending a event being held at Southport, Where they would be taking part in a Veterans Parade followed by a event that would be taking place afterwards in Princes Park. Being as it was only an hour away from us, this was an offer we could not refuse and was quite happy to help out.

SAMA display, manned by Veterans.

    Next to our display was SAMA's charity stall which was manned by veterans of the Falklands war. We were invaded by their members on numerous occasions and a few who enjoyed remembering how to field strip a SLR.

   
A few shots of the admiring public.

    The public attendance seemed to be light but you would not think that; when they descended upon us. Moments of chaos and madness followed by total tranquility. Thank fully a serving member of 2 PARA who also was attending the event in Falklands kit waded in to help us out bringing to the display not only a full parachute rig but also a Argentine FN-FAL. 

THANKS Jim for your help you were a great help.

 Jim (2 PARA) talking to the public.

    Not only did the veterans enjoy the display but also current serving members of the Armed forces who were in attendance. The SLRs being the main talking point especially by the older members who used our display to educate the younger squadies about what real weapons looked like, which always bought a smile to our faces.

A member of the Parachute regiment tries his hand at remembering how to field strip a SLR.

Even as we packed away we were still drawing attention from the public, which slowed us slightly. Once back on the road home we agreed that even though it had been hard work it was a truly great day. Even the sun smiled down on us. It was a event we were glad we did not miss, as it was, it was the veterans that made our day, and we were glad we could give something back in return.

   
The display as seen during a quite spell.

Forces 80 homepage