Buckinghamshire says ‘Thank You’ to Armed Forces community

At the start of Armed Forces Week, Buckinghamshire Council joins the collective thank you across the country to all those in the Armed Forces, for everything that they do to protect our country and people.

Today (Monday 20 June) Council Chairman Dev Dhillon, led two flag raising ceremonies to mark the official start of the commemorations leading up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday (25 June). Reserves Day takes place on Wednesday 22 June. The ceremonies took place at Market Square in Aylesbury, attended by the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire, Debbie Brock and outside the Queen Victoria Road council offices in High Wycombe, where Countess Howe, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire attended. Also present were the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Mimi Harker OBE and representatives from the Armed Forces.

Armed Forces Day is a national event which provides the opportunity for people to give a show of thanks and appreciation for the work of our Armed Forces, past, present and future. This includes those currently serving, veterans, cadets and reservists.

Speaking after the events Councillor Dhillon said: “Our flag raising events today formally mark the start of a week of appreciation and thanks for our Armed Forces, especially those who live and serve in Buckinghamshire. We are truly grateful for all that they do.”

Buckinghamshire Council has pledged to directly support the local Armed Forces community through its Armed Forces Covenant. The covenant is a formal document which sets out how the council and partner organisations in the county will offer assistance and help to our Armed Forces families in Buckinghamshire. The pledge covers a range of areas including healthcare, education and housing as well as transition, employment and social isolation.

Councillor Mimi Harker gave more detail, she said: “We have a rich military history here in Buckinghamshire with two current Royal Air Force bases in Halton and High Wycombe. It is only right that we take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices the people who serve and have served here have made and show our thanks and appreciation to them.”

Mimi continued: “It is also important that in return for what they do for us, we as a community, do everything we can look after our Armed Forces families and individuals, welcoming and supporting them in whatever way is needed. As a council we are fully committed to doing this and work with our partners to ensure that we continue to enhance and develop the support that we offer.”

For more information on how the council supports the Armed Forces in Buckinghamshire visit our website.