‘Remembrance Ambulances’ unveiled by East of England trust to honour sacrifice of Armed Forces
The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) has unveiled six specially liveried ambulances featuring commemorative designs that pay tribute to the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces.
The new MAN vehicles, known as ‘Remembrance Ambulances’, are already in service and can be seen on roads across the region.
They will be rotated weekly through each of the Trust’s operational hubs, ensuring that a wide range of crews have the opportunity to work on them and reflect on their significance.
The initiative was led by Terry Hicks, deputy director for emergency operations centres, and the trust's armed forces champion. Terry also chairs EEAST's Armed Forces Community Network (AFCN). The idea was delivered though the fleet support teams.
Terry said: "As a Trust, it's important that we recognise and respect the sacrifices made in conflicts around the world – both within our communities and among our staff.
"The Remembrance Ambulances are a visible demonstration of our commitment to supporting armed forces communities inside and outside of the organisation.
"This kind of recognition can make a real difference to someone who may be struggling, helping them feel safe to speak up and seek support."
Neill Moloney, chief executive of EEAST, said: "We are proud to honour the service and sacrifice of our armed forces through this initiative. The Remembrance Ambulances are a powerful symbol of our respect and gratitude, and they reflect the values of compassion and community that underpin everything we do at EEAST.
"I hope these vehicles serve as a meaningful reminder to both our staff and the public of the importance of remembrance and support for those who have served."
In addition to the six commemorative vehicles, poppy decals are being applied to the wider fleet to further mark the occasion and show solidarity.
EEAST is proud to support armed forces veterans and reservists to pursue careers in the ambulance service, and has been awarded the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme. It has also signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, which commits to treating those who serve or have served, and their families, with dignity, respect and fairness.