Remembrance Day: Northampton veterans pay respects in partnership with London Northwestern Railway

Military veterans in Northampton were represented at a major national Remembrance ceremony today (Thu 11 Nov) thanks to a new partnership with rail operator London Northwestern Railway (LNR).

Under the “Routes of Remembrance” initiative, a wreath was laid at a London memorial by Northampton-based Iraq veteran Dean Griffin after being transported aboard an LNR service to Euston.

The initiative, established by The Veterans Charity, began in the south west of England last year to help veterans who were unable to travel to London to take part in national ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year the scheme has been rolled out nationally, including at Northampton.

This morning military veterans attended a short ceremony on the platform at Northampton station before the wreath was loaded onto the 0905 departure, arriving at London Euston in time for the station’s Remembrance service.

Lawrence Bowman, LNR customer experience director, said: “We are proud to partner with The Veterans Charity to help people in Northampton pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Day.

“With some people unable to travel to London to take part in national ceremonies, we were honoured to take part in the Routes of Remembrance initiative across the railway network.”

Danny Greeno, chief executive of The Veterans Charity, said: “Since expanding the scheme for 2021 we have had a brilliant response across the country. We know the pandemic has not gone away yet and this event has helped veterans engage with Remembrance.

“I would like to thank London Northwestern Railway and our members in Northampton for their efforts in arranging the ceremony and celebrating the deep links between the railway and the military.”

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