Heroes are being thanked with Armed Forces Day

ARMED forces heroes are being thanked for their service this week in the run up to Armed Forces Day.

Charnwood Borough Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag at Loughborough Town Hall on Monday (June 22) to mark the lead up to the national day of celebration on Saturday (June 27).

Social distancing measures have prevented events taking place in the town centre, but members of the armed forces, their families and veterans will continue to be thanked for their service online.

Coun Hilary Fryer, the council’s armed forces champion, said:

“Members of the armed forces family make great sacrifices for our communities, whether that’s in times of conflict or peace time.

“As has been demonstrated during the recent weeks, helping to build in record time the Nightingale Hospitals and assist across the country with testing for the Covid 19 Virus.

“It is very sad that this year we are not able to commemorate Armed Forces Day as we usually do in the town centre. However many communities and residents showed how much they care during the recent VE day celebrations.

“I am sure that we will all remember and thank them all again on Saturday. They are always there in our times of need.”

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community; from currently serving troops to families, veterans and cadets.

With government guidance on mass gatherings and events impacting plans for celebrations in Loughborough town centre, activities are moving online to ensure the community can still salute heroes and get involved.

The flag was raised at Loughborough Town Hall with Captain. Ben Wing, Loughborough Army

Reserves and Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Mick Wells.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Coun Brenda Seaton, recorded a message of thanks to accompany the event.

Visitors to Queen’s Park in the town can also visit the Carillon tower war memorial to see a window display of former and serving forces personnel from across the borough.

Armed Forces Day on June 27 will be marked in Loughborough with a recital by borough carillonneur Caroline Sharpe.

For more information on Armed Forces Day visit www. armedforcesday.org.uk