Apply for veterans badges now ahead of district’s celebration of military service event during Armed Forces Week
Veterans of the UK Armed Forces who have not yet received their commemorative Veterans Badge are being invited to step forward to receive it at North Kesteven District Council’s Celebration of Military Service event this summer.
The ticketed event will take place in the council chamber at NKDC’s offices on Kesteven Street in Sleaford at 12pm on Monday, June 22.
According to the council, although service leavers receive their Veteran’s Badge automatically now, there are still veterans living in North Kesteven who haven’t, and they are being encouraged to apply to receive their badge in recognition of their contribution during their military service. Additionally, an invitation is extended to anyone who has already received their badge to have it presented at the celebration.
Eligibility covers any length of service more than one day with the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, British Army or Merchant Navy, as a regular, reserve or on National Service. Some businesses and organisations recognise it with discounts and additional consideration.
The closing date for veteran badge applications awarded at the lunch is May 8, 2026. More information is available on NKDC’s Armed Forces Events webpage or you can book your place at the Celebration of Military Service event by contacting the council’s Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or via email at [email protected].
Those attending the celebration event will hear accounts from those who served, commemorating the 15th anniversary of the end of Operation Telic, and the 35th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War.
Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of the council, is himself a veteran of 13 years’ service with the RAF.
He said: “As we go about our daily lives, there can be very few of us living and operating within North Kesteven whose own lives are not in some way touched by the proximity, actions and ongoing contributions to community life of veterans who have previously served their country with valour, courage and distinction.
“It is this that we seek to celebrate and honour through the presentation of badges that veterans can wear with pride and that others can see and reflect on with gratitude.”
On June 22, the usual Armed Forces flag raising ceremony will take place in Sleaford Market Place at 10.30am.
Serving military, veterans’ groups, the local community and charities are invited to attend the free event, which will close with a primary school choir performance.
Hosted in NKDC’s council chamber, the Veterans Support Service is planning an Armed Forces Community Open Day on Wednesday June 24, which also marks Reservists Day and is also free to attend.
For more details on the events marking Armed Forces week, email [email protected] or call 01529 414155 and ask for the Partnerships Team.