STAGECOACH in Oxfordshire is marking Armed Forces Day by offering free bus and coach travel to forces personnel carrying their military ID card or to veterans with a veteran’s badge.

All acting or retired service men and women, with the appropriate identification who board any Stagecoach bus service in Oxfordshire or the Oxford Tube to or from London, on Saturday, June 29, will be granted free travel, regardless of the fare or time of travel. The offer will run from June 29 00:00 to June 29 23:59.

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Armed Forces Day is a chance for the public to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community - from serving troops to ex-military, cadets and in some cases, veterans.

With events planned across the country, including an armed forces family day at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock, accessible on Stagecoach services S3 or 7 from Oxford, it is hoped that personnel will take up the offer to travel across the county for free.

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Chris Coleman, managing director of Stagecoach in Oxfordshire, said: “This is a gesture to show our local servicemen and women that we appreciate them and are grateful for everything they do. The recent 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings has provided a timely reminder of the sacrifices our armed forces have and continue to make.

Oxford Mail:

“We hope that personnel choosing to travel to a local event will have an enjoyable day and we are delighted to show our appreciation for their commitment to our country.”

In 2015, Stagecoach Group signed the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Corporate Covenant in support of the Armed Forces Community.

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As a signatory of the covenant, the company recognises the value serving personnel; regular and reservists, veterans and military families contribute to both the country and businesses across the country.

The company was also awarded the silver award through the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.