Veterans lapel badge leaflet - accessible version
Updated 17 May 2022
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1. HM Armed Forces Veterans Lapel Badge
1.1 Background
The HM Armed Forces Veterans’ Lapel Badge was launched in May 2004 by the Minister for Veterans in order to assist the wider public in identifying Veterans.
The first lapel badge was issued on 10 May 2004 to Lord Healey, a Veteran of the Battle for Monte Cassino. This initiated the roll out of the badge to the generation who served in the Second World War. Since then eligibility to apply for the badge has been extended in sequential phases and now all Veterans are eligible to apply.
1.2 Design of the badge
The badge is an enamelled, engraved, and pinned lapel badge featuring the words “HM Armed Forces – Veteran”, which encompass the Tri-Service, Anchor, Crossed Swords and Eagle motif. Its symbolism is intended to unite all Veterans and represent the combined efforts of the Tri-Services whilst encouraging a sense of unity and community amongst Veterans.
1.3 Eligibility criteria
All those who have served in HM Armed Forces, including Volunteer and Regular Reserves. This does not include Overseas forces or those who served alongside HM Forces. The badge is a survivor’s badge and therefore is not issued posthumously. The only exception is for War Widows and Widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension paid by the Ministry of Defence. This also includes those who have received an award of Survivors Guaranteed Income Payment (SGIP) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. This is in recognition of the fact that their spouse or long-term partner’s death was due to their military service.
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