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About Findon
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The Findon Valley Residents' Association is a charity registered in England and Wales: 267009
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A Day at Buckingham Palace for our son's OBE By Alan Marshall
We were so proud when our son, Detective Superintendent Victor Marshall, received news he was to receive an OBE. The big day was Friday, 9 July 2010 at 11am, the investiture held by HRH the Prince of Wales. From our hotel, it was a four-minute walk to Buckingham Palace so we arrived in plenty of time. On entering the Palace, we climbed the grand staircase and into the ballroom to the sound of a military band playing. Once everyone was seated, the military and officials entered, followed by Prince Charles and, of course, the National Anthem. You can imagine how my wife, Colleen, and myself felt just at that moment let alone the feelings of my son. The investiture began with the Knighthoods, going through the orders to the Military Crosses. Victor was duly called to receive his award and the Prince pinned the OBE on him. A few tears flowed, I have to say. The Prince of Wales exchanged a few words and a smile. One talks in a whisper for those who are watching - again a strong emotion from the pair of us. Our heartstrings were pulled again as our armed forces were called forward to receive their medals, showing the scars of warfare, one limbless, others with facial injuries received in Afghanistan. The ceremony closed with the National Anthem and everyone filed out to music, passing the Life Guards on the staircase to the front of the Palace. At this point the Naval Commodore passed the remark, "Enjoy your day, ladies and gentlemen, for once you pass the gates you are once again a normal citizen." Then the Major who received the Military Cross just walked past and I said to him, "Congratulations, sir, was it you who was on television?" The Major replied that it was real scary. I suppose television does with all of us, even the brave. Now in the courtyard, with temperatures up to the 90s, the official photographs were being taken. Whilst waiting for our turn the Beefeaters were being transported back to their barracks. Then after the photos it was time to leave with the words of the Commodore ringing in our ears. We left feeling very proud parents and walked back to our hotel to reflect on our wonderful morning over lunch. As those people in the Valley who have been to the Palace will know, it was truly a wonderful and moving experience.
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