A ceremony was held at the British Embassy in Washington D.C, to honour an RAF Veteran who was affected by the previous ban on LGBT people serving in the UK military.
Former Flying Officer Veary was presented with an Etherton ribbon and signed apology letters from the Prime Minister and Chief of the Air Staff by the UK Air and Space Attaché to the US, Air Commodore Nicola Thomas, during a poignant ceremony held in front of guests which included Mark’s husband, Harry. Clearly touched by the event, Mark described it as a great success and thanked the RAF Inclusion team along with the Embassy staff for making it happen.
The ceremony symbolised the RAF's commitment to making amends for the wrongs of the past. It showed a significant step forward in the government's ongoing efforts to deliver restorative measures to those affected by the historic ban, which was in place between 1967 and 2000. Other ceremonies which will take place across the world are currently being planned, and a large event was held at the iconic College Hall Officers' Mess at RAF Cranwell in September.
