Army veteran studying at Chester honoured to march in London Remembrance Parade
A University of Chester student and decorated veteran was chosen to march in the Cenotaph Parade in London on Remembrance Sunday.
Mark Jones was selected to represent his former regiment, the 1st Battalion Royal Welch Fusiliers, in Sunday’s Parade.
Mark, who is studying for a degree in Human Geography at Chester, served in the military for 18 years, reaching the rank of Colour Sergeant. He saw active service in Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Cyprus and Northern Ireland, as well as training in Canada and Kenya.
The 50-year-old from Trevor, Llangollen, now living in Ruabon, was also an instructor at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.
He was selected for the Royal British Legion's march on Sunday November 9 after entering a ballot through his former regiment.
The Cenotaph Parade in Whitehall is a march-past of 10,000 veterans and eligible participants that takes place every year on Remembrance Sunday following the National Act of Remembrance, led by HM The King.
Held to remember all those who have served and sacrificed, British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airmen and women are represented, together with members of the emergency services and civilians.
It was part of events across the country to mark Remembrance Sunday, which is observed on the Sunday nearest to Armistice Day on November 11 - when World War One ended in 1918.
On the selection and the experience, Mark said: “I am truly honoured and privileged to have taken part in this year’s Remembrance Parade. It’s a profound opportunity to pay my respects to those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Being a part of this commemoration reminds me of the courage, dedication and selflessness shown by so many, and I am grateful for a small role in ensuring that their legacy is never forgotten.”
Mark is a student in the University’s Centre for Foundation Studies and added how his army duties influenced his decision to embark, recently, on a four-year degree at Chester: “During my time on operational service in the military I've found that I have a profound interest in the complex interactions between people, places and the environment, and also their social and economic issues; this is an opportunity to formalise my life experiences into a degree.”
Images:
- First - Mark Jones at the Cenotaph.
- Second - Mark in service.