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Heroes Return 2 Scheme

Volume 494: debated on Monday 15 June 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding had been allocated to veterans under the Heroes Return 2 scheme on the latest date for which figures are available. (278308)

[holding answer 8 June 2009]: The Ministry of Defence has allocated no funding for veterans under the Heroes Return 2 scheme, which is being funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The Heroes Return 2 scheme will provide funding to help World War II veterans resident in the UK or the Republic of Ireland to participate in commemorative visits, both within the UK and overseas, to mark the 65th and other anniversary events that led to the end of WWII.

The scheme opened on 1 April 2009 and up to 29 May it had received 1,115 applications and made 599 awards with a total of £920,275.

MOD Ministers and Chiefs of Staff participated in the 65th anniversary events in Normandy at the invitation of the Royal British Legion and Normandy Veterans’ Association. There was significant representation by our armed forces with over 1,000 participating in events across Normandy and standing alongside veterans. MOD is also discussing with Westminster Abbey the possibility of a commemoration service in the autumn as requested by the Normandy Veterans Association.