Remembrance Day: Visually-impaired veterans 'lost for words' as they prepare to join parade at Cenotaph
Praise for leading charity ahead of major Remembrance Day parade
Two visually impaired Scottish veterans, including a nonagenarian who served during the Korean War, have said they are “lost for words” as they prepare to fulfil a “life-long dream” by marching in the Remembrance Day parade at the Cenotaph in London this weekend.
James Alfred Sibbet and Ian Baker will be among around 10,000 veterans taking part in the annual event on Sunday. They described the opportunity to pay tribute to those lost in different conflicts as an opportunity that gives them “immense pride”.
Mr Sibbet, 95, said there was a “strong feeling of common purpose” among those who had served, and revealed marching in the parade was something he had always wanted to do.
Both men have been supported by Sight Scotland Veterans to attend the event, and expressed gratitude to the charity for turning a dream into reality.
Mr Sibbet, who served as a chief petty officer in the Royal Navy, said: “To me, Remembrance is about honouring a group of people who dedicated themselves to the safety and wellbeing of their country and everyone in it. These are individuals who made the choice to serve. Those of us who did share a deep sense of connection and understanding.
“Marching in the Cenotaph Parade is something I have always wanted to do. To finally have that chance, and to do it alongside Sight Scotland Veterans, fills me with immense pride. It is about honouring those we have lost, showing respect for their sacrifice, and sharing that moment with people who truly understand what it means to serve.
Mr Sibbet, who will wear his original Navy cap during the parade, said his sight began to deteriorate around three to four years ago, with his straight ahead vision particularly impacted. Now living with age-related macular degeneration, a doctor introduced him to Sight Scotland Veterans, and he, like Mr Baker, is now a regular at the charity’s Linburn centre in West Lothian.
He said: “I never thought I would be able to do something like this, especially after losing my sight. But thanks to Sight Scotland Veterans, I will be there, not just as a spectator, but as someone taking part in something deeply meaningful. I am proud to represent the charity and even prouder to be part of this moment.”
Mr Baker, who served in the Royal Air Force, said he had always wanted to “stand in honour of the fallen” at the parade.
“I’ve lost many good friends and family members in different conflicts, and this is my chance to pay tribute to them,” he said. “I never imagined I’d get to be part of something like this, especially after losing my sight. It means more to me than I can put into words.”
The 56 year-old from West Lothian has an auto-immune disorder called myasthenia gravis that affects the nerves and muscles, including those in his eyes.
He said: “As the old saying goes ‘for our tomorrows, they gave their todays’. I can’t thank these people enough for the sacrifices they made and for the freedoms we have today.
“Marching in their honour is the least I can do and I’ll do it with pride. I’m incredibly proud to have this opportunity and it’s all thanks to Sight Scotland Veterans. It’s such a fantastic charity.”
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