Ceremony to honour Armed Forces Day
WEST Lancashire will honour the service and sacrifices made by our service men and women at a special event on Monday, June 19, to commemorate Armed Forces Day.
The Ministry of Defence flag will be raised at the War Memorial in Coronation Park in Ormskirk.
The ceremony will be attended by service veterans; Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire Mrs Gail Stanley; the Mayor of West Lancashire, Cllr Neil Furey, and Mayoress Julie Furey; chief executive of West Lancashire Borough Council, Kim Webber; and borough councillors.
Local uniformed groups will also be at the event.
People living and working in West Lancashire are invited to come along and pay their respects.
Skelmersdale Prize Band will perform from 4.45pm before the ceremony officially starts at 5pm when Fr Michael Thompson, the Mayor’s Chaplain, will say a short prayer.
Mrs Stanley will formally present the flag to the Mayor of West Lancashire.
Cllr Furey will say the following: “We are honoured to receive this flag as a tribute to all our Armed Services, who have served in the past and are serving today. It is with pride that the borough of West Lancashire shows its support by dedicating this moment to them.
“We trust that this ceremony will be remembered with warmth and affection by all men and women who are serving or have served the Colours.”
A veteran will then give the following tribute: “Today, we have great pride in paying tribute to the men and women who defend Britain.
“Today we also remember the sacrifices made by the veterans of conflict.
“I hope that you will all join me today in paying homage to our Armed Forces past and present who serve our country each day with pride and dignity.”
The flag will then be raised with the assistance of a cadet.
Skelmersdale Prize Band will play music as the flag is raised.
The ceremony is expected to be completed by 5.20pm.
Cllr Furey said: “It will be a great privilege for me to take part in this special ceremony as we pay tribute to veterans and those who are currently serving in our armed forces.
“I hope many people will join us on this momentous occasion.”
Cllr NEIL FUREY, Mayor of West Lancashire