188体育

INTRO

It鈥檚 a huge pleasure to be here today to open these magnificent new apartments and meet their future occupants who I look forward to chatting to in a few minute鈥檚 time.

I remember standing across the road from here three years ago not long after I鈥檇 been appointed Defence Secretary. Back then there was nothing but a barren patch of land and set of ambitious plans.

Three years later what a transformation! The unwavering drive of Royal British Legion Industries unstinting support of the Morrison鈥檚 Foundation, the ABF The Soldiers鈥� Charity, Chelsea Barracks Foundation, and unending ingenuity of Blesma, have not just produced modern adapted homes and tranquil gardens but an entire village, a community fit for heroes.

It鈥檚 not only RBLI who have transformed three years on. So too has defence. And, in the face of intensifying threats, the respect I have, the public have, for our courageous personnel has soared to new heights.

REMEMBERING

This year we鈥檝e had particular cause to reflect on their service and sacrifice. We鈥檝e remembered the Great War and the mud and blood of Paschendale that triggered the creation of RBLI itself.

We鈥檝e commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. This weekend I鈥檒l be in the Middle East to mark three years of our Counter Daesh campaign.

But the reason we鈥檙e here today the reason the Government has put almost 拢2m into this project through Libor funding is because our relationship with the veteran community is about much more than respect.

RESPONSIBILITY

First, it鈥檚 about our responsibility, the nation鈥檚 responsibility, to serve those who served us.

That means helping solve critical housing problems so former soldiers, sailors, or pilots, single-male or female veterans, older service personnel and their families, and those who have suffered life changing injuries, can get the vital accommodation they need.

I asked the Brigadier why they named one of these blocks Victory House instead of referencing any particular victory. His answer was profound. He said the name was chosen to honour the everyday victories those little critical steps that our veterans achieve as they work towards recovery and independence and build new lives.

RECOGNITION

Second, we鈥檙e here today to recognise what our veterans still have to offer. It鈥檚 no coincidence the other block is named Invictus.

Three years ago the first Invictus Games showed the nation and the world how despite appalling injuries our brave men and women remained capable of achieving amazing things.

In a few days鈥� time our latest Team GB Invictus athletes, will be taking to the field once more in Toronto in a bid to outdo their predecessors.

Whether they come home with bronze, silver, or gold all will have proved worthy of the title of that immortal poem Invictus, 鈥漸nconquered鈥�.

And this village is making sure they will continue making a difference by offering its inhabitants employment opportunities and the chance to shape the community in which they live.

REAFFIRM COMMITMENT

Thirdly, we鈥檙e here to rededicate ourselves to the service of our veterans today and tomorrow.

This is only the beginning. Phase 1 might be over but there鈥檚 a plan for Centenary Village to grow with more family housing and a new community center. I look forward to returning here in two years鈥� time when RBLI celebrates its centenary year, to find that first spade in the ground and phase 2 well underway.

But there鈥檚 something that matters as much as these houses. That鈥檚 the example you鈥檙e setting. By forging powerful partnerships between charities like RBLI and Cobseo, and between local leaders, you鈥檙e turning the Armed Forces Covenant into practical reality, so that no-one who belongs to the forces鈥� family suffers disadvantage.

You are the Armed Forces Covenant made manifest.

Today we open a house named victory. It is your victory.

CONCLUSION

So let me salute you on a marvellous achievement.

You鈥檝e built homes for the heroes who helped build our future.

You are an inspiration. And I wish you, and all who live here, every success in your future endeavours as I officially declare these two great houses, open.

I now declare Invictus and Victory House open.