Three very different occasions, falling on days at opposite ends of this week, 2 celebrating people who have made a difference to our borough, as well as a big moment in sport.
On Monday (22 June) it was national Windrush Day. And on Saturday (27 June) it is Armed Forces Day. England will also play Panama in the final match of the World Cup group stage to determine if we qualify.
An immeasurable difference
It was almost 80 years ago when more than 1,000 people answered the UK’s call in 1948 to travel across the world to come and help rebuild a nation scarred by years of war.
Those passengers on the HMT Empire Windrush left the Caribbean to fill a desperate national labour shortage. Many had served in the Second World War.
Between 1948 and 1973, more ships brought migrants from the Caribbean and the term ‘Windrush generation’ came to be used. We unveiled a plaque to them in a memorial garden in Walpole Park in Ealing in 2022; and marked the 75th anniversary with an event in 2023 to celebrate their achievements.
Windrush Day is an annual opportunity to pay tribute, and express our heartfelt gratitude, and especially so those who made London, Ealing, and our 7 towns the home from which they would make their contribution.
In a borough that speaks more than 200 languages, which is proud to be the home of communities from across the globe, whether from the Commonwealth or beyond, and even from other parts of the UK, Windrush Day celebrates the spirit of community, service and sacrifice that so many people have made to build the open and cohesive community we are.
Gold-plated support
A tolerant and hopeful borough and a community that lives in peace together could not have been created without the sacrifice and service of our armed forces, which continue to protect our country and our values.
National Armed Forces Day this weekend is an opportunity to express our support for, and our appreciation of, all of those who serve our country in uniform, to keep us safe from harm and free from oppression.
In 2021, the council signed a covenant with the armed forces. The covenant enshrines our dedication to supporting armed forces families and former forces people. We have lived up to that commitment by working towards and achieving the Armed forces Covenant Gold award to recognise our work supporting veterans. It was awarded in November and is the highest employer accreditation you can receive.
Finally…
Our flag will fly proudly above the council HQ on Saturday when England play Panama in the final match of the World Cup group stage. With Greenford’s very own Bukayo Saka looking like he could well make the starting 11 following his Achillies injury, there’ll be double pride if we achieve the win.
The weather forecast continues to say that it will be a very hot day, and we’ve already had a Red Weather Alert this week, so enjoy the match, stay hydrated and do look in on your neighbours if you know they might be struggling.
