Derbyshire town's events to honour UK's oldest World War Two veteran
by Louis Corbett · Derbyshire LiveA Derbyshire town has organised a series of tributes for the UK's oldest World War Two veteran in the lead up to Remembrance Day.
Ilkeston town FC are hosting a series of events in the leadup to Remembrance Day, starting with a football match to honour the nation's heroes - namely ex-Desert Rat Donald Rose, 109, who survived the D-Day landings.
The veteran will be the VIP guest at the Remembrance Cup on Sunday, November 10, starting at 4pm, which will see ex-service personal take to the local football pitch to honour those who have served for the British military.
The match will also be free to attend, however they will be collecting donations for the charity Forces Veterans Afloat which provides canal boat accommodation for homeless ex-personnel.
The veteran, who is a resident of Canal Vue Care Home in the town, will also visited by a delegation from the Royal British Legion on Armistice day which falls on Monday, November 11. The care home will also welcome a "songstress" Lily Lovejoy who will be performing some wartime favourites.
The care home has asked for donations for the day in the form of knitted poppies that are being attached the home's canal side railings.
Mayor of Erewash, Cllr Kate Fennelly, who will be attending a wreath laying ceremony in Long Eaton at 10.40am on Sunday, said: "Like Donald, who was left grieving for comrades, we must never forget how so many made the ultimate sacrifice.”
The Long Eaton parade to the town's war memorial will be gathering at 10.15am at West Gate before making their way to the wreath laying ceremony later on.
People wishing to attend the Ilkeston Remembrance Parade to the town's war memorial are urged to attend the South Street's car park prior to 10.25am, with a service starting at 10.45am at the Market Place's Cenotaph.
Mr Rose was born in 1914 and is among the world’s oldest surviving Second World War veterans. He served on the frontline with the 7th Armoured Division after joining the Queen’s Royal Regiment at age 25.