The brethren of Pro Patria Lodge No 9952 will be proud to learn that two of its members took part in the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in London. Among those participating was President of Blind Veterans UK charity, Alan Holderness, who marched alongside more than 40 blind veterans in what was his first Remembrance Sunday parade since being appointed president of the charity in June 2026.
Having joined the Royal Marines at the age of 16, Alan served with distinction, including service in the Falklands campaign, NATO deployments in the Mediterranean and a United Nations peace-keeping tour in Cyprus. During his military career he developed retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive sight loss condition, and was medically discharged in 1986.
Despite the challenges of losing his sight, Alan has embodied the determination, resilience and sense of duty instilled in him by the Royal Marines. A successful businessman and serving magistrate, he has never allowed his disability to define him and continues to serve both his community, fellow veterans and Pro Patria Lodge.
Reflecting on the experience, Alan described marching at the Cenotaph as “an honour and a privilege”. He added that Remembrance Sunday provides an opportunity not only to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but also to remember the families who continue to bear that loss.
Alan speaks warmly of the support he has received from the Blind Veterans UK, describing the charity as a second family and a source of encouragement throughout his journey. Today, as its president, he proudly represents an organisation dedicated to supporting former servicemen and women living with sight loss.
Also taking part in this year’s parade was fellow Pro Patria Lodge member Martin Poole, who attended as the official delegate of the Tactical Supply Wing Association. Martin described the opportunity to participate in the national commemorations as a tremendous honour, allowing him to pay tribute to the fallen and remember comrades from every branch of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country.
The RAF Tactical Supply Wing is a highly specialised, mobile unit that provides immediate, front-line aviation fuel support to battlefield helicopters and occasionally, fixed-wing aircraft. Based in Stafford, they operate in austere, contested environments to perform ‘rotors-running’ refuelling, ensuring aircraft can quickly return to operations.
Beyond his military associations, Martin serves as the North Fylde Group Armed Forces Covenant Officer. In that role he works to strengthen links between Freemasonry and the armed forces community, promoting support available through Masonic charities, encouraging participation in remembrance events and highlighting the service and achievements of military brethren. His work reflects the enduring principles of Freemasonry; Brotherly love, relief and truth, helping to ensure that those who have served receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Pro Patria Lodge is especially proud that two of its members were represented on the nation’s principal Remembrance Sunday parade. Alan Holderness, represented Blind Veterans UK as its president and Martin Poole, represented the Tactical Air Wing Association, standing alongside veterans from across the armed forces, paying tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Their participation in this most solemn of national commemorations reflects great credit upon Pro Patria Lodge and demonstrates the continuing commitment of its members to service, remembrance and the values they uphold both within and beyond Freemasonry.
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The Royal Air Force Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association