Veterans Card - Take Up

[researchJim]

I am interested to know please how many people hold the BVA card? Psart of my current research is looking at what is meant by 'veteran' in different countries - indeed the term veteran itself has different applications even in the UK. All comments welcomed. Thanks

[bvrc]

I was hoping for input from elsewhere first, just to see what others thought!

The Veterans Policy Unit define the term 'Veteran' to mean all those who have served in the UK Armed Forces, whether Regular or Reserve. Their mission also includes widows/widowers and their dependents as part of the Veterans' community. The term also includes members of the Merchant Navy who played a vital role in legally defined military operations.

It is this definition which forms the basis of eligibility for the British Veterans Recognition Card.

However, I would say that a large proportion of the general public consider the term to refer just to those who served in the Great Wars. It is this perception which we are trying to change; after all a 25 year old who served for only 3 years is a Veteran. It is quite clear that countries such as America and Australia fully understand that the term Veteran applies to all ex-serviceman or woman. And indeed they seem to treat their Veterans in a very different manner to the UK - something we would like to redress.