November is a time of remembrance throughout the UK, where many of us pause and reflect on those lost in conflict, and honour all those who have fought for our country. Remembrance will always be a key part of Corps.
This year, we welcomed colleagues, the Corps Veteran Association (CVA), and the Corps Security Commissionaires to join us in Whitehall to parade past the Cenotaph and attend a ceremonial luncheon for Remembrance Sunday, and join us at Brookwood Cemetery to lay wreaths at the graves of Commissionaires for Armistice Day.
We were also especially proud to host our friends from our Canadian contingent, the Commissionaires Canada, which was founded in 1925 and modelled after the British Corps of Commissionaires to employ Canadian veterans after the First World War.
Andrea Strong, Managing Director at Corps Monitoring, was a key part of the events, joining Corps’ Remembrance Weekend for her third time. We spoke to her about her experiences this year and what it means to remember those we have lost.
What does Remembrance mean to you?
Remembrance has always been important to me. I have childhood memories of watching the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall with my Nana; it was very important to her.
I’ve always bought a poppy and continued to watch the Royal Albert Hall services, but since joining Corps Monitoring, I’ve gained a better understanding of what it means. Yes, it’s culturally significant, but it’s also vital for supporting veterans today.
About five per cent of Corps Monitoring is made up of veterans, and I’m a proud member of the CVA. Especially as a senior member of staff, I felt it was crucial to get involved with the CVA and work alongside the brilliant advocates for veterans in our organisation.
What was it like to connect with the Commissionaires Canada this year?
The Commissionaires Canada shares such a long history with us, so it was special to host them and have them so deeply involved in our ceremonies. Their representatives were chosen by region throughout Canada, and there was a mix of frontline officers and senior Commissionaires in attendance. Many also brought family members, which is lovely to see, as it is at the heart of our mission to support veterans and their families.
We all immediately gelled when they first arrived on the Friday, right the way through to visiting Brookwood on Commissionaires Canada, and we had great feedback that our Commissionaires appreciated being around like-minded people.
Our connection with Commissionaires Canada has really grown these past few years. Seeing their pride and having them march with us and place their own wreaths has really helped our relationship blossom. They said it blew them away, which was fantastic to hear.
I had a similar experience when I visited Australia earlier this year. I met with George Zagon, President of the Australian Corps of Commissionaires, who gave me a tour of the Memorial Shrine and the Remembrance Garden at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne. He gifted me an indigenous cross while I was there, to lay at Brookwood along with our wreaths. It was so meaningful to bring that little bit of Australia back with me.
Which part of the weekend impacted you the most?
The whole weekend always has a huge impact. Last year, I was in the parade, and it really was one of the best days of my life. But even just viewing the parade this year, it was incredible to see the white hats of the Commissionaires’ uniforms appearing around the corner at Whitehall.
What really touched me this year, though, was remembering Darrell Jacques, who spent 25 years working for us and passed away earlier this year. A veteran himself, Darrell was fundamental to Corps and especially the foundation and leadership of the CVA, he even designed one of our ties.
We know that he would have been so proud to be marching with us and the Canadians, so we left a space for him in the formation. We also made his place at the luncheon, with his hat and gloves set on the table and a Union Jack draped over his chair, and raised a toast to him.
It was a truly special moment, and incredibly moving. That will stay with me for a long time.
What ongoing work is the CVA doing to support veterans?
Corps Monitoring works closely with Corps Security to support the CVA. Our charity partner which provides clinical treatment and assistance for veterans with mental health issues, continues to be a lifeline for many. Last September, my colleagues and I took part in a coast-to-coast challenge, covering 92.5 miles to fundraise for their excellent services.
Individual colleagues across our organisation also engage in fundraisers throughout the year to support various charities. Earlier this year, our colleague Grant Mitchell set out on a sponsored walk to fundraise for the National Autistic Society. Sophie Purdy at Corps Consult is also currently fundraising for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting bereaved children of military personnel.
Remembering, together
Remembrance is a poignant reminder of Corps Security’s mission. In 1859, Captain Sir Edward Walter established the Corps of Commissionaires to employ veterans returning from the Crimean War. Today, we uphold that legacy by supporting active service members, veterans, and their families throughout the year.
We are humbled to connect Commissionaires from around the world to not only remember, but continue to support and celebrate the community that sacrifices so much for our safety. Thank you to those who have served us. We will never forget those we have lost.
Find out more about the CVA’s daily work and visit Corps Monitoring’s website to learn more about our services.
