Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Pride at city’s tribute to servicemen and veterans
Armed Forces Day celebrations include concert and ship link-up
Proud veterans and soldiers watched as the Armed Forces Day flag was raised over Canterbury on Saturday.
The ceremony, outside the city’s fire station, was one of hundreds across the country aimed at raising awareness of the contribution of the armed services.
It was supported by firefighters and attended by the Lord Mayor, Cllr George Metcalfe.
Chairman of the Canterbury branch of the Royal British Legion, Tim Woods, said: “It went very well indeed.
“We had a lovely flag service joined by members of the public, and the fire station looked after us really well with a cup of tea and a biscuit.
“It is something we always look forward to and we rely on volunteers to help us out.
“It reminds people not only of those who have served but those who are serving today – it’s nice to see the city support it.”
The previous evening, an Armed Forces Day concert was held at Canterbury College, organised by the community development department of Canterbury City Council, Canterbury College and the Royal British Legion.
It was attended by 350 veterans, cadets, students and supporters, which included a live Skype conversation with the crew of HMS Severn from its patrol in the North Sea.
The theme was the Royal Navy and particularly the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Jutland.
The evening included performances by the Salvation Army Band, Canterbury College students, who read First World War poetry, Canterbury Ladies Choir, the Your Music saxophone group and Dance Warehouse, Spring Grove School choir and Canterbury Sea Cadets.
There was also a presentation on the Royal Navy during the First World War, focusing on the Battle of Jutland by Dr Emma Hanna from the University of Kent.
The Skype ship-to-shore live link with HMS Severn was watched on a big screen and included live questions from Canterbury Sea Cadets to the ship’s commander and crew. The Captain also announced the winner of a “draw a Navy ship” competition, which was won by eight-year-old Anna Makin of Spring Grove School. Organisers say the event gave the public an opportunity to show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces, and was a great success.
The evening was brought to an end with flag-waving and a rousing finale of Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and I Vow to Thee My County.
The Canterbury branch of the Royal British Legion will be marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme with a short service at the Cross of Sacrifice in Canterbury Cemetery in Westgate Court Avenue at noon tomorrow (Friday), where there are almost 200 First World War graves.