Raising the flag for Armed Forces Day in Buckinghamshire
A special flag-raising ceremony was held in Aylesbury on Monday (22 June) to mark the run-up to Armed Forces Day. The ceremony which took place outside the County Court building on Market Square was led by the Chairman of the Council, Bill Chapple OBE.
He wasjoined byBuckinghamshire’sLord-Lieutenant, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, representatives from RAF Halton and 7 Rifles, the armed forces community, council staff and elected members.
The flag was raised by Cadet Sergeant Major Georgia James and Cadet Warrant Officer Sarah Aspland accompanied by a fanfare played by Max Farmer of Mandeville School.
Sarah said: “For myself and the rest of the cadets on our squadron it is a chance to celebrate being part of an organisation so closely affiliated with the RAF, and show respect to those serving in the RAF, as well as veterans.
“Our way of doing this is usually to parade formally in uniform, which fills the cadets with a sense of pride and belonging. My personal first experience of armed forces day was attending a celebration of the day at Fawley Hill, hosted by Lord McAlpine.
“I was lucky enough to be able to bring my granddad, a WW2 glider pilot veteran along, and share the day with him, which was incredibly special.”
The flag will nowbeflown each day of the week leading up to Armed Day on Saturday 27 June.
Bill said: “We have now commenced the proceedings building up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June. This is the country’s opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to the men, women, boysand girls who make up the Armed Forces Family – Past, Present and Future. The Veterans – the Regulars – the Reservists – the Cadets – and of course their families.
“Showing our support gives a much valued morale boost to the Armed Forces, and this year’s ceremony is extremely poignant because it is the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
“I hope our ceremony will really highlight our support and admiration for what the armed forces do. You can show your support right now by purchasing your tickets or signing up as a volunteer.”
For more information on Armed Forces Day or to purchase tickets visit www.buckscc.gov.uk/armedforcesday