* Retired Royal Engineers Lieutenant Colonel Huw Parker is a steam locomotive driver at Llangollen and Corwen Railway.
This Saturday, June 27 is Armed Forces Day, held to recognise the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve.
And Llangollen and Corwen Railway will be celebrating this important occasion by continuing their tradition of offering discounted travel to all current and former Armed Services personnel on its trains.
The celebration has been championed by Lieutenant Colonel Huw Parker, a Llangollen and Corwen volunteer for over 40 years and highly decorated former army officer.
He has provided the Armed Forces Day flag that will be proudly flown and displayed at the railway for the day.
Huw said: “There has always been a strong connection between Britain's railways and the Armed Forces. From transporting troops and supplies during times of conflict to supporting national resilience in times of peace, railways have played a vital role in our nation's history.
"Equally, many veterans have gone on to make significant contributions to the railway industry, bringing with them invaluable skills, leadership and experience. The Armed Forces Day flag is a fitting symbol of our appreciation for the service and sacrifice made by military personnel past and present."
Llangollen Railway supports the Armed Forces community throughout the whole year, offering a 10% discount on on-the-day fares for both serving and retired members of the forces upon presentation of a valid military identification card.
On Father's Day the railway welcomed Major Brian Harper with his family.
And railway officials say they were fascinated to learn that, not only did Brian serve for an astonishing 47 years in the British Army, but he also worked as a fireman on the Ruabon-Barmouth Railway whilst it was still part of the national network.
Leaving the railway for the Army in 1955, Brian embarked on a remarkable journey of service to his country. It was an honour to host Brian some 70y years after he hung up his firing shovel to travel on the railway again. Later this year Brian will celebrate his 90th birthday and still sings bass with the Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir.
David Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Railway, said: “It was a true honour to have met Brian just a week before Armed Services Day, he really is an inspirational fellow. His story perfectly illustrates why Heritage Railways like the Llangollen & Corwen Railway matter.
"They are not simply about locomotives, stations and infrastructure; they are about people, memories and the extraordinary lives that have intersected with our railway over generations. We can’t wait to welcome more inspirational folk from our armed services on Saturday along with their families and hope that they enjoy their day with us."
The railway is operating a reduced, diesel-hauled timetable on both Saturday June 27 and 28 due to the ongoing hot and dry weather.
Train times and advanced tickets are available from our website at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/timetable/
Discounted travel is available to all current and former Armed Services personnel throughout the year upon production of a valid military identification or veteran’s card.
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