For most of us, it’s impossible to imagine what it must have felt like to be in the trenches in World War One or to see colleagues killed or maimed in combat.
This week I had the privilege of meeting veterans at the Royal British Legion in Grangemouth where we visited the Spitfire memorial. This life-size replica of a Spitfire commemorates the trainee Spitfire pilots from around the world who learned to fly the legendary aircraft at RAF Grangemouth during the Second World War.
Sadly, 71 trainees lost their lives while practising manoeuvres there.
Hearing at first hand the veterans’ tales of D-Day and the Second World War was, as ever, a humbling experience. We must ensure we never forget the enormous contribution these men – and thousands like them – have made, with so many paying the ultimate price.
However, it’s important that we also remember the younger generation of veterans whose career in the armed forces has ended and they are now making the transition back into civilian life which is not always an easy task.
So I was particularly pleased, after leaving the Spitfire memorial, to visit Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans into New Enterprise (ViNE) project. This scheme is designed to help veterans and their families set up their own businesses, providing tailored support and access to business-related workshops and seminars, as well as help to find potential funding sources.
It was great to meet some of those who’re already on the ViNE project and hear about their future plans. ViNE is a great example of helping people leaving the forces to make the best use of their skills and knowledge to make a fresh start for themselves and their families – which, after all, is in everyone’s best interests.