Armed Forces Week gets off to a flying start

Tributes to service men and women, present and past, and their families, were paid at two Armed Forces flag raising ceremonies hosted by Buckinghamshire Council today at The Old County Hall in Aylesbury and the Council Offices on Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe. These mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week celebrations for 2020.

Usually there are many  Armed Forces Day events planned all over the UK, including one in Bucks. This year due to the Coronavirus pandemic these have had to be postponed or adapted to follow social distancing guidelines.

At the Aylesbury ceremony , Buckinghamshire Council Chairman Cllr Richard Scott was joined by the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Andrew Farncombe, Group Captain Katherine Wilson (RAF Halton) , Cadet RSM Alice Burgham, (Bucks ACF), Cllr Martin Tett – Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, Cllr Mimi Harker – Deputy Armed Forces Champion and the Mayor of Aylesbury Cllr Mike Smith.

At the High Wycombe ceremony, the Chairman was joined by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher , Wing Commander Jon McMahon (RAF High Wycombe), Cllr Maz Hussain, Mayor of Wycombe , Cllr Martin Tett,  Cllr Ian McEnnis, Armed Forces Champion and Cadet FS Ben Wober (Bucks ATC).

Cllr Scott spoke of the amazing support our Armed Forces give us in their day to day work and particularly now during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Sir Henry and the High Sheriff led prayers which spoke of the sacrifice made by current serving forces’ personnel, and those who have served before,  of the courage shown by their families and the efforts of reservists and young cadets.

For photos and videos of today’s events, follow us on social media @BucksCouncil.