All veterans in Tooting are real heroes and we must ensure that their dedication and commitment is never forgotten.

I have been running a campaign to encourage all of Tooting's veterans to apply for their Veterans Medal.

The Veterans Medal is a survivors' badge, which is intended to be worn on civilian attire. This is only a small token of the huge debt we owe the wartime generation, but is a really good opportunity for us to give our thanks to those who served. I would like everyone in Tooting who is entitled to the medal to apply for theirs.

In March 2007 I held the inaugural veterans badge presentation ceremony, where 25 local heroes were presented with their medals by The Minister for Veterans at the Ministry of Defence. I plan to hold many more events like this throughout the year.

To apply, you can ring my office on 020 7219 6967.

You can also apply by downloading the form here and returning it to either my office:

Sadiq Khan MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA.

I will then write to the Veterans Agency using your details and ask them to assign you the Veterans Medal that you are entitled to.

Or send it directly to the Veterans Agency:

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, Norcross, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 3WP

If you served in the Merchant Navy during Military Operations, please download your form here.

Who is entitled to the Veterans Medal?

Men and women who served in HM Armed Forces including Volunteers and Regular Reserves.

Widows and widowers who are in receipt of a War Widows/Widowers Pension

Other groups who are also entitled are: the Cyprus Regiment; the Home Guard and Polish Forces under UK Command; Merchant Navy Seafarers who served prior to and including 31st December 1994.

If you have any further enquiries do check the Veterans Agency website:

www.veterans-uk.info