Picture 1: Tribute - old comrades preparing to lay their wreaths Picture 2: Some VIPS enjoy the sun at the memorial event. More than 2,000 people were at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield on Sunday 26th June to take part in National Service Day. The commemoration was organised by Gerald Rose, the chairman of the National Service Veterans Association (NSVA), and included a service, parade and musical entertainment provided by the City of Lichfield Concert Band Mr Rose said: "National Service Day is always the last Sunday in June, and the memorial we have at Alrewas is the only one for National Servicemen. "The only way we can make the public aware is by having these parades and thankfully the weather has been very kind to us." Royal Naval Commander David Childs, founder and former director of the National Memorial Arboretum, welcomed guests before giving the service. Guests included Royal Navy officer Commodore Jamie Miller, CBE; the military attache from the US Embassy, Jose Guadalupe; Wing Commander Griffiths of RAF Cosford; West Bromwich West Labour MP Adrian Bailey MP and the officer in command at Whittington Barracks, Colonel Jonathan Welch. Sacrifices Pupils from Tipton's Great Bridge Primary School and Alexandra High School attended the event. Hilary Brown, Alexandra High School manager said they had close links with Tipton Royal British Legion who had members at the event. Veterans regularly go into the school and ensured children understood what sacrifices they made. Standard bearers getting into their positions. Pupil Matthew Dudley 14, said it was important to remember the vital role veterans played. "My uncle and my Grandad both served in the navy and we've come here today to show that we haven't forgotten what the veterans did for us." More that 100 standards were at the event. The above article and pictures are used courtesy of "The Express and Star", Wolverhampton HMS Forward crew members marching at the National Service Day commemorations at Alrewas