Show your support for Armed Forces Day

People can show their appreciation for the work of our armed forces at a flag raising ceremony in Rawtenstall.

It takes place at St Mary’s Gardens at 10am on Monday (June 25)  and is one of hundreds of events being held nationally in the run up to Armed Forces Day on June 30.

A short service will be led by Reverend Chris Casey from St Paul’s Church, Rawtenstall. The Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Ann Kenyon, will attend with the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire Hazel Harding.

Rossendale Council Leader Alyson Barnes said:

This is a national occasion for the public to show their support for the work the armed forces do for our nation.

But as a borough we try to support our armed forces throughout the year. That’s why the council signed the Rossendale Armed Forces Community Covenant and appointed a councillor as our Armed Forces Community Champion.

Among other things, the covenant aims to raise awareness of the issues affecting the armed forces community and encourage activities which help integration into local life.

The borough also has a long association with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment while council officers ensure that our many memorial sites are always looking their best, particularly on Remembrance Day.

People in the borough serve in the armed forces and we understand the very difficult work that they do. Some of our young people are also associated through air cadets.

The armed forces community is diverse and includes reservists, veterans, cadets and service families. Anyone who has previously served is deemed a veteran, regardless of age

Councillor Christine Gill, Rossendale Council’s Armed Forces Champion, added:

The armed forces community is a valued part of our society and I am looking forward to meeting as many people as possible at the flag raising ceremony.

I am also pleased that so many young people in schools and other organisations are taking part in activities this year to mark the centenary of the end of First World War, particularly as two of my grandchildren are air cadets.