Worcestershire marks Armed Forces Week

June 23 2020
Worcestershire marks Armed Forces Week

Worcester’s Mayor, Jo Hodges, was joined by military personnel to observe the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag over the city’s Guildhall.

“We are raising the flag over the Guildhall as a sign of thanks and appreciation to all those who put themselves in the front line in order to protect our freedom and way of life,” she said.

“We are also showing solidarity for their loved ones and families.”

The Mayor and Consort were joined by Captain Bob Low from 214 Battery, David Waldron, Chairman of the Worcestershire Royal British Legion and the Mayor’s Chaplain.

The event included a short speech by the Mayor and an exhortation read by Mr Waldron, Last Post and a minute’s silence, as well as the raising of the Armed Forces Flag.

“I urge people this week to remember the selfless commitment, courage and sacrifice that our brave service men and women make to keep others safe,” said Conservative councillor Chris Mitchell, Worcester City Council’s Armed Forces Champion, who spent 20 years in the Army.

“Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for the troops and their families, many of whom live locally.”

The Armed Forces flag was also raised above County Hall, as Worcestershire County Council marked the beginning of this year’s Armed Forces week.

Conservative councillor Rob Adams, who chairs Worcestershire’s Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, Conservative councillor Peter Tomlinson, Chairman of Worcestershire County Council and Brigadier Roger Brunt, Deputy Lieutenant attended a closed, social distancing tribute at County Hall to see the flag raised.

Cllr Adams said: “Coronavirus may have stopped us marking Armed Forces Week in style through planned events that were due to take place across the county this year.

“Therefore, it’s imperative that we raise the Armed Forces flag as a symbol and fitting tribute for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, our serving troops and their families, reservists, veterans and cadet forces.

“As well as continuing with their defence tasks at home and across the globe, some 20,000 members of the Armed Forces are playing a vital part in the national effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic, working alongside the NHS in strategic and frontline roles.

“It is important, more than ever this year, that we acknowledge the outstanding contribution the Armed Forces make to our nation.”

Across the country, local authorities, town and parish councils traditionally raise the Armed Forces Day flag to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week, leading up to Armed Forces Day which would have been Saturday, June 29.

Although events have been cancelled there are still ways to show support.

#SaluteOurForces is a social media campaign where businesses and the public can post and dedicate their salutes online.

There are resources and activities to be found on the Armed Forces Day website, including how each branch of the Armed Forces salutes.

To find out more visit https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Photo caption: Armed Forces Week is marked at Worcester’s Guildhall.