Soldier who organized Charles III’s coronation gains honorary citizenship in Telford

Sargento-Mor of Guarnição Andrew “Vern” Stokes received the title of honorary citizen of the municipality of Telford and Wrekin for his distinguished services to the nation. The decoration recognizes his role in supervising Trooping the Colour, royal funerals and the coronation of Rei Carlos III.

Reconhecimento for services rendered to Estado

Conselho of Telford and Wrekin highlighted that Stokes was chosen for his “distinguished service to the nation” and the “pride he brings to the community.” The soldier was born in Madeley, studied in Wellington and joined the army at 16. Atualmente resides on Coalbrookdale and is based on Horse Guards, on Londres.

GSM Stokes expressed being “immensely proud” of his hometown and “deeply honored” by the distinction received. When talking about his roots, he stated: “I’m very proud of my roots here. Esta region and its people have always meant a lot to me and shaped who I am.”

Carreira military and international operations

Sargento-Mor served operational missions around the world, including Iraque and Afeganistão. Sua’s performance in Estado’s ceremonies was fundamental in recent historical moments: he was involved in organizing the funerals of Duque, Edimburgo and Rainha Elizabeth II, followed by the coronation of Rei Carlos III.

Antes of this honor, Stokes had already received recognition for his professional career:

• Medalha from Serviço Meritório
• Ordem Real Vitoriana
• Ordem from Império Britânico (OBE)
• Prêmio BAFTA for his role in organizing Festival of Lembrança of Legião Real Britânica
• Vice-Lieutenant of Shropshire

Ligação personal with the region

Stokes’s emotional bond with Telford remains strong after 4 decades. “The region has a spiritual pulse, and every time I see The Wrekin, I feel butterflies in my stomach, and this has been happening for 40 years,” he revealed during the ceremony.

Conselho’s leader of Telford and Wrekin, Lee Carter, stated that GSM Stokes embodies “the best values ​​we hold dear as a community.” Councilor Andrew Eade complemented this by praising the coordination of the British army in Estado’s ceremonies.

Outras approved tributes

At the same meeting, Conselho unanimously approved an Prêmio from Reconhecimento Especial to Mark Pemberton, Presidente from Conselho Curador from Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust. Pemberton was honored for his oversight of the transfer of the museums to National Trust the previous year.