Portsmouth pub to give veterans special welcome on Remembrance Sunday

The Portsmouth pub will be opening its doors to veterans and those still in active service from 10.30am on Armistice Day.

The local wants to welcome the community as they take part in the two-minute silence to remember those who gave their lives for the country.

A free drink will then be offered to those with medals or wearing a veterans badge.

Then on Remembrance Sunday, the pub will welcome those that have attended services and parades paying homage to fallen heroes for a free buffet and give them a chance to meet up with comrades young and old.

Paul Saynor, co-landlord of The Rose in June, said it was vitally important his pub paid their respects.

He said: ‘It’s purely a remembrance from the First World War as we all know, and we really have our right to respect that.

‘Being an ex-serviceman in the Royal Navy for 32 years, the armed services are very close to my heart.

Mr Saynor added: ‘It is the time that we can all come together and just think about those who have given up their lives for us, for the country.

‘A veteran is still a veteran, you can serve five years or 30 years you’re still a veteran regardless of what you were doing. Whether you were engaged with any of the things that went on during the time or not, it’s somebody who’s given up their time to become members of the forces showing a respect for their country by working for them

‘I’ve got quite a number of regulars who are all ex serviceman of various forces and it’s nice for them to come along and join in.’