BMet holds special event for Remembrance Day and to honour Armed Forces Covenant

BMet students, staff and invited guests came together today on Remembrance Day (November 11), to a commemorative event to honour the sacrifices made by people in the Armed Forces.

The special event, held at Sutton Coldfield College, also officially recognised BMet’s allegiance to the Armed Forces Covenant. This reaffirmed BMet’s commitment to support those who serve or have served, including their families.

“We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.”

Captain Alan O’Brien, Regimental Operations Support Officer-ROSO and Major Darren Knight, Regional Employer Engagement Director, joined the community of supporters. They included BMet employees who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and Sir Dexter Hutt, Chair of BMet Corporation.

The event began with the opportunity for attendees to watch black and white videos showcasing the work and activities of armed forces personnel. A minute’s silence followed at 11am, in support of the UK-wide mark of respect.

A key highlight was a military procession and parade of attendees walking from the college’s main Reception to the Uniformed Public Services Building, which is home to courses that focus on the work of the Armed Forces.  Here, a specially worded wreath was laid down to mark the occasion.

Before a buffet lunch, the Armed Forces Covenant was officially reaffirmed and signed by Major Darren Knight and Sir Dexter Hutt, who both gave speeches about the importance of Remembrance Day and the Covenant.

Here is what some of BMet’s students had to say:

Daniel, Uniformed Public Services Student: “I thought it very important to be at this event today, as it serves as a reminder of the freedoms that people that have served in the Armed Forces have given for me, my family and other people.

“I am so thankful that many people have laid down their lives for the benefit of people in the UK.”

Orla, Business Student: “I think today is a special date, as it is important to remember the sacrifices of people in the Armed Forces and to those who have lost people who have fought for our liberties.

“It was good to be able to stand in unity with fellow students, teachers and people who have served or are serving in the military.”

Charlie, Uniformed Public Services Student: “I am pleased that I came today, as the day has held a lot of relevance for me, particularly with the course that I am studying.

“The legacy that people who have served or who are serving have left is invaluable and has a lasting impact even now. I am especially proud that teaching staff at BMet are serving or have served.”

Diyah, A Level Student: “As a student of Asian origin, it means a lot to me to realise that people of the same ethnic background as me, served our country.

“Even more significant for me, is the fact that people from past generations in my family, also served. I was glad to be part of the event today with likeminded people in the BMet and military community.”

Rhys, Uniformed Public Services Student: “I feel proud to know that the college that I am part of supports, through the signing of the Covenant, the community of military veterans and those who have served or are continuing to serve.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to read a personal script to honour the sacrifices of those who have served for us, highlighting the importance of remembering them.”

Alan Evans is a Construction Lecturer at BMet’s James Watt College, who served as a Warrant Officer 2 between 1968 – 1992 in the Birmingham Golden Hillock, where he was in charge of a squadron in his role as a Radio Relay Operator.

Here is what he had to say about attending today’s event:

“It is really positive that BMet is backing the Armed Forces and those who have served, are serving or are wanting to serve, without the fear of them losing their jobs.

“The signing of the Covenant Agreement provides a real sense of belonging to many of our students and staff and feels like a family. I for one am very proud that BMet as an employer is supporting this!”

Here is what Sutton Coldfield College Deputy Director, Dagen Thompson had to say:

“Recognising Remembrance Day is vital for young people from all ethnic backgrounds in the UK. It’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for our freedoms, including soldiers from diverse communities.

“Understanding this shared history fosters a sense of unity and appreciation for the contributions of all ethnicities. It encourages respect, empathy and a deeper connection to our collective past. By remembering together, we honour the legacy of those who served and reinforce the values of tolerance and inclusion that are fundamental to our society.”

Forging links with the Armed Forces Community remains an important value for BMet and helps bring to life the college’s courses like Uniformed Public Services, which military personnel like Captain Alan O’Brien and Major Darren Knight support.

Speaking of the event, Darren said: ‘’It was a real honour and privilege to be invited by BMet to witness Sutton Coldfield College students and staff, pay their respect in a poignant Armistice Day Ceremony.

“It was great to see hundreds of students in attendance and I was particularly impressed by the students who under the guidance of Marc Jones (a Veteran himself), delivered some excellent speeches and recited The Act of Remembrance Exhortation, with real poise.‘’