Chelmsford marks Armed Forces Day

Chelmsford City Council raised an Armed Forces Day flag today (Monday 24 June) in support of the Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Day takes place annually on the last Saturday in June, this year falling on 29 June. It honours Britain’s Armed Forces of the past, present, and future; from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans, and cadets.

The city council joins a host of other local authorities raising Armed Forces Day flags across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, and Isle of Man. The flag will fly over the Civic Centre until Sunday 30 June.

Ceremony led by Mayor of Chelmsford

The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Janette Potter, led the flag raising ceremony, which was also attended by Deputy Lieutenant Hugh Toler MBE, representatives from the Army Cadets, Essex Yeomanry, and BLESMA – a military charity for limbless veterans in the UK.

The Mayor said a few words before her Chaplain, Reverend David Cattle, read a prayer.

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“Our military community work tirelessly around the world to promote peace, deliver aid, protect civilians, defend against terrorism, and provide security.

“On this Armed Forces Day, we honour and salute current and former military personnel who have done so much to protect us over the years, and we show our appreciation for all those who have supported them in their work – from their family and friends to charities and volunteers. Thank you all for your service.”

Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Janette Potter

Find out how you can get involved in Armed Forces Day 2024 this Saturday by visiting www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved.