THE LIEUTENANCY OF KENT – |
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Highlighting the inspirational activity flourishing among the young people of Kent is the Lieutenancy’s main aim this year, the County’s civic leaders and community workers heard on 22 April 2010. Speaking at the Lieutenancy’s annual Civic Service at All Saints’, Maidstone, the Lord Lieutenant, Allan Willett CMG, said it was a year of significant anniversaries including the 70th of both Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain. “It is also the 150th anniversary of the birth of the Cadet movement – and the Centenary of Guiding, both of which do so much for the development of our young people, giving them a head start in life. “Let us never forget that many of the young soldiers who were saved from the beaches of Dunkirk were not much older than the Cadets and Guides of today. The same is true of the airmen, many still in their teens, who saw off the Luftwaffe in the dark days of 1940. “So I believe that this year’s Lieutenancy theme – Celebrating the Achievements of Youth in Kent, Past, Present and Future – is entirely relevant. “It is, I believe, of great importance that the young people of today understand and appreciate the sacrifices of earlier generations. It is equally important that the older generations do not write off today’s young people as soft, uncaring and troublesome, but instead hear about all the positive things they are achieving, not only in uniformed youth organisations but in clubs, as young carers and the like. “So today, and at our main event at Detling on 15 May, it is right that we mix the generations and highlight the inspirational activity which is today flourishing among the youth of our great County.” More than 650 civic leaders, county, district, borough and parish councillors, community volunteers, representatives of the magistracy, the emergency and health services, the business, media and education sectors – and youth organisations – from across Kent attended the service. Among them were members of the wartime Home Guard, Auxiliary Fire Service, and Bletchley Park code-breakers – most now in their 80s and 90s – whose service has recently been recognised by the award of special badges. The Lord Lieutenant told them: “We are proud to welcome you here today.” The Lord Lieutenant told the multi-faith congregation that regardless of religion or political beliefs, they shared – in common – dedicated service to the community. He added: “We have the opportunity to leave a legacy to coming generations of pride in our Frontline County’s unparalleled and glorious past, and a belief in Kent and its future.” He told the congregation: “As Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in our County, I know that she would wish me to pass her thanks on to all of you for the dedicated self-less service you give to your communities, and to our great County of Kent.”
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