Oaktree Court’s 101-Year-Old WWII Veteran Ken Attends Remembrance Day 2025 Parade at The Cenotaph
- Millie Gregory
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
This Remembrance Day 2025, we are immensely proud of our wonderful Oaktree Court Care Home resident, Ken, who travelled to London, with his family and Activities Lead Nicky, to take part in The National Service of Remembrance Parade at The Cenotaph in Whitehall.
At 101 years old, World War II veteran Ken led the front of the procession alongside fellow centenarian veterans - a truly emotional and unforgettable moment of national pride. Following the parade, Ken and his companions enjoyed special seats at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, surrounded by dignitaries, families, and fellow servicemen and women.
To mark this special day, Ken was interviewed by BBC One and Sky News, where he shared his wartime experiences and spoke about how humbled and fortunate he feels to be here today!
A WWII Veteran's Remarkable Life of Service
Ken’s story is one of courage, resilience, and gratitude. He served in the British Armed Forces during World War Two from 1942 to 1946, before joining the reserves until 1951.
Ken recalls how his life was saved by Operation Zipper - a British plan to capture Port Swettenham and Port Dickson in Malaya. Although the operation was scaled back following the end of the war in the Pacific, some of its landings went ahead.
In recognition of his bravery, Ken was awarded the Burma Star Medal after nine years of loyal service.
“I’m so humbled and lucky to be here,” Ken reflected.
This year marked Ken’s first national Remembrance Day Service. He shared that he decided to attend the 2025 Cenotaph Parade because he felt he was “missing out on something in life” - and the experience proved deeply meaningful.
Life at Oaktree Court Care Home, Wellington
Now living at Oaktree Court Care Home in Wellington, Ken continues to share his extraordinary wartime stories with residents, team members, and visitors alike. His warm personality and storytelling bring history to life for everyone around him.
Away from his heroic past, Ken enjoys life’s simple pleasures - crosswords, movie nights, and a glass of red wine with dinner. He also remains deeply involved in the veteran community, regularly meeting with the local Royal British Legion and hosting a monthly Veterans’ Breakfast at Oaktree Court, where local veterans gather for food, conversation, and friendship.
Honouring Our Heroes at Oaktree Court
At Majesticare’s Oaktree Court Care Home, we proudly celebrate every moment that honours our heroes. Earlier this year, we held a wonderful 80th Anniversary of VE Day celebration, where Ken wore his medals with pride alongside new generations of veterans. The Oaktree Court team dressed in their 1940s finest as we raised a hot cup of coffee and funds for the brave veterans who’ve served around the world.
Read all about Oaktree Court's VE Day celebrations, click the button below.
Ken truly represents the heart and spirit of Majesticare - kind, humble, and full of wisdom. His presence reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many, and the importance of sharing and preserving their stories.
We Will Remember Them
This Remembrance Day, as we reflect on the courage of all who served, we are incredibly proud of Ken, a WWII veteran, a true hero, and a cherished member of our Oaktree Court Care Home family.
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
From all of us at Majesticare and Oaktree Court Care Home, thank you, Ken, for your service, your kindness, and your inspiration.
