NEWS

ROYAL NAVAL ASSOCIATION BI-ENNIAL PARADE – SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2013

The Royal Naval Association was celebrating its Biennial Parade at the Cenotaph at Whitehall on Sunday 08 September 2013.  Associations and individuals related to the Naval Service marched with their Shipmates and paraded their Standards with the RNA National Standard, RNA Area, RNA Branch Standards, Confederation of Naval Associations Standards and Guest Standards.

The Parade was formed up in Whitehall Place marching along Whitehall and had to dismiss in Whitehall Place after a wreath laying ceremony on the Cenotaph. The Chaplain of the Fleet and RNA Honorary Chaplain, Scott J Brown QHC has held a Service of Remembrance.  The Chief of Naval Personnel & Training and 2nd Sea Lord, Vice Admiral David Steel CBE has taken the Review, accompanied by RNA National President,  Vice Admiral John McAnally CB LVO, who gave a short speech at the conclusion of the parade. Alsot the Minister for Personnel, Welfare and Veterans The Right Hon Mark Francois MP attended.

IMC Shipmates from the Netherlands and Belgium joined their RNA friends. Both AVOM and AFAFN/NVOZM paraded their national standards with Commander van Bussel from Belgium laying a wreath. The RNA is very grateful to AVOM and AFAFN/NVOZM for joining in their parade and invites all IMC members to plan attendance at the next parade in 2015.

After the Parade the shipmates enjoyed a glass of rum in the nearby Civil Service club to cement international relations. Further details can be seen from the attached six photos.