As the nation pauses to mark Remembrance Day, a senior manager at Nationwide Platforms has taken centre stage in the commemorations, leading this year’s National Service of Remembrance Parade to Lewisham War Memorial on Sunday 9th November.
Stephen Bradley, Deputy Head of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) at Nationwide Platforms, took part in the parade as Senior Warrant Officer, guiding hundreds of service members and veterans through Lewisham in what he describes as one of the proudest moments of his 35-year military career.
“I usually take part in the Remembrance Parade, but to lead it this year was a huge honour,” Stephen said. “Having lost family members and friends who served in the forces, Remembrance Day means a lot to me. It’s a time to remember World War I, but also all the other wars that have been fought over the years, and all the sacrifices made by soldiers and citizens both at home and abroad. For me, it’s a time to reflect on my grandparents and the hardships they went through during WWII. After serving for 35 years, I understand how they must have felt.”
0268 Stephen Bradley in uniform during the National Service of Remembrance Parade.JPG
0268 Stephen Bradley in uniform during the National Service of Remembrance Parade
Stephen joined the Army through an apprenticeship in 1990 at the age of 16, inspired by stories of his grandfather, who served as a sniper in the Second World War. He went on to spend more than three decades in the Armed Forces and remains an active member of the Army Reserves, serving as a Squadron Sergeant Major. This year he also represented his regiment in the Lady Mayor’s Show ahead of the national service.
Alongside his military commitments, Stephen has built a civilian career focused on safety leadership. He gained his health and safety qualifications through military resettlement programmes before joining Nationwide Platforms, where he is now Deputy Head of Health, Safety and Environment.
“The transition from the military can be challenging,” he said, “but Nationwide Platforms has always supported my continued involvement in the reserves. I’m constantly learning and applying what I’ve gained from both worlds. I have great relationships with all our depots, and they know they can call me any time.”
Karen Maguire, HR Director at Nationwide Platforms, said: “Stephen’s achievement is a tremendous source of pride for everyone at Nationwide Platforms. His leadership at this year’s national parade reflects the same discipline, professionalism and sense of duty he brings to his work every day.”
Remembrance Day occurs annually on the 11th of November, with Remembrance Sunday falling on the second Sunday of the month. The day marks the end of the First World War, when hostilities ceased at 11am on November 11th 1918, before the Treaty of Versailles was signed on the 28th of June the following year, formally ending the war.
Many that have previously served in the armed forces will march during local and larger-scale parades, open to the public as a day of reflection, and paying respect to loved ones, family and friends in the military that have been lost over the years.
Nationwide Platforms will also observe a two-minute silence on Tuesday 11 November to mark Remembrance Day, joining millions across the country in honouring those who gave their lives in conflict.
Veterans or those looking for new opportunities after being in the armed services can visit https://www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk/en-gb/about-us/careers for career vacancies.
