THE FLAG will fly high in Warwickshire ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday (June 24).
To mark the occasion, the Armed Forces Day flag will be hoisted at 10am Monday (June 19) at Shire Hall in Warwick – the HQ of Warwickshire County Council (WCC) – and a free family fun day will celebrate the day itself.
Armed Forces Day is an annual national event to show support for the men and women of the Armed Forces, including currently serving troops, service families, reservists, veterans and cadets.
The fun day, which runs from 12-3pm on Saturday (June 24) at St Nicholas Park in Warwick, will feature trampolines, an inflatable slide, music from a regimental band, sports activities and free hot dogs and ice cream, while stocks last.
Coun Wallace Redford, County Councillor and Chair of the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, said: “Armed Forces Week is an important event to honour all the veterans past and present who have served us, and continue to serve us, even giving their lives to protect our freedom.
“Saturday’s event at St Nicholas Park is an opportunity to show our respect and appreciation, while at the same time have a fun, family-friendly day out.
“We are continuing to work hard with our partners in the Armed Forces Community Covenant for Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull to provide services and assistance to armed forces personnel and their families.
“Veterans can often feel isolated or forgotten, so I’m delighted that a new Veterans Contact Point opened up in Warwick earlier this year, enabling veterans in the south of the County to meet up and get access to the support they need.”
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, said: “The flag raising ceremony is a special occasion to honour the sacrifices our Armed Forces have made and continue to make, on our behalf.
“I hope we all take time on Armed Forces Day to reflect and pay respect for the outstanding contribution our Armed Forces community make to keeping our country safe.”
Members of the public are welcome to assemble outside the main entrance to attend the flag raising ceremony at Shire Hall.
Visit https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/find-events for information on events taking place on Armed Forces Day.
Visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/support-armed-forces for information on support for the Armed Forces community in Warwickshire.
