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Bereaved Military Children March in Memory of Their Parents
This Remembrance weekend, 46 members of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved British Armed Forces children and young people, met in London to march with pride in memory of their military parents. They wore their distinctive black and yellow Scotty’s scarves as they took part in the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and marched past the Cenotaph at the National Service of Remembrance, honouring the lives of their heroes.
Every single member of Scotty’s has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. Being part of the National Service of Remembrance meant a huge amount to everyone involved, and they got to share that experience with other bereaved children and young people who truly understand what they’ve been through.
Scotty Member Lennon Palin (13) attended the march in honour of his dad, Cpl Mark Palin, a soldier in the 1st Rifles, who was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. He was 33 years old. Lennon was just one. This year’s Remembrance Sunday also coincided with his dad’s birthday.
Lennon said: “Taking part in the parade today made me feel really proud to represent my dad and honour the sacrifice he made for our country. Being with other members of Scotty’s little Soldiers makes me feel happy because I know everyone will stick by your side no matter what.”
Scotty Member Isabelle Bovington (8) was just one when her dad, LNN Thomas Bovington, a leading naval nurse in Queen Alexander’s Royal Naval Nursing Service, died of a genetic heart condition. He was 30 years old. Isabelle was the youngest person marching in this year’s National Service of Remembrance.
She said: “I thought taking part in the Remembrance parade was amazing! I enjoyed seeing everybody and watching all the people clapping me when I was marching.”
Scotty Member Cooper Hargreaves (9) joined the march for his dad, SSgt Christopher Hargreaves, a photographer in the Royal Logistics Corps. When he was 42 years old, Christpher died by suicide. Cooper was only three. This year, Cooper laid the wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of all of Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ members.
He said: “Laying the wreath was nerve-wracking, but really special. When it was over I just thought – wow. I felt very proud.”