Anger as Armed Forces Day parade is scrapped
➤ SLAP IN FACE FOR VETERANS, CLAIM CRITICS:
CITY leaders have been accused of disrespecting veterans after scrapping Birmingham’s annual Armed Forces Day.
The annual event was due to take place on June 30 in Centenary Square after attracting huge crowds in the past.
But council bosses have now abandoned the day, arguing other tributes to armed services are planned this year, including the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Birmingham City Council says it has the support of its partners in the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force over the decision.
The parade was previously held in Centenary Square, but that is currently being redeveloped. Part of Victoria Square is also being dug up for the new Metro tram extension.
But critics argue that after the tra- ditional Trafalgar Day Parade was scrapped by the council last October, the decision is another blow to the commemoration of the military in the city.
Former Lord Mayor and Conservative councillor John Lines said: “This is yet again another example of this Labour council’s disregard for those who have served.
“An opportunity to speak to veterans and for associations to raise funds for charities will be lost.”
He said Victoria Square could easily accommodate the day, as space had been found for the German Market before Christmas.
“Last October 21, Trafalgar Day was dismissed after 150 years,” he added. “At this very moment our air force is active with our allies in attempting to protect innocent women and children from being gassed by a dictator who is using chemical weapons. What will they think of Birmingham?”
Another former Lord Mayor, Anita Ward, who has worked with the Royal British Legion and helped raise the profile of armed forces in Birmingham, said: “I’m disappointed to hear that there will not be an Armed Forces Day event here.
“Birmingham has celebrated its armed forces in the past and it should continue to do so.”
But a Birmingham City Council spokeswoman said that the city will still be cel- ebrating the forces this year, but not on June 30. She said: “A number of military events are taking place in Birmingham this year, including those marking the centenaries of the Royal Air Force and end of the First World War. Therefore, a decision was taken, with the full support of our military partners, that there would not be an Armed Forces Day event. “Birmingham has strong links with the military, which it does celebrate. “In February the Royal Marines received the Freedom of the City from the Lord
This is yet again another example of this Labour council’s disregard for those who have served.
Mayor of Birmingham during a city centre ceremony, and RAF Cosford will be given the same honour in May, which will also be a public event.
“Also several aircraft will be displayed in Victoria Square as part of the RAF’s centenary celebrations over the August Bank Holiday weekend.”
Armed Forces Day, formerly known as Veteran’s Day, is a national event launched by Gordon Brown in 2006 while he was Chancellor.
It celebrates the contribution of all those who have served in the forces to complement Remembrance Sunday which commemorates those who lost their lives.
Centenary Square is undergoing a £10 million redesign which is expected to be completed later this summer.
Building work is also ongoing on the neighbouring Paradise and Arena Central developments, as well as the Metro tram extension to Broad Street.
Cllr John Lines, right