Show your support for Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day gives people the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces past and present and the sacrifices they made and continue to make.

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.

The ceremony will take place at 10am on Monday, June 20, when a short service will be led by Reverend Rod Bevan.

Assembly will be at 9.50 a.m. in readiness for the proceedings to commence promptly at 10.00 a.m.

Refreshments will be served after the event in St Mary’s Church.

The event will be attended by the Mayor, Councillor Anne Cheetham OBE, JP, and Mayoress Mrs Dorothy Jones, as well as Deputy Lieutenant Louise Cooper BEM and the Mayor of Whitworth, Councillor Janet Whitehead.

The Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Anne Cheetham said: “We’re proud to be able to support National Armed Forces Day in Rossendale. People in the borough serve and have served in the armed forces and should be recognised for their dedication and selflessness.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, and I would encourage people to take the time to show their support to the brave men and women for the sacrifices they make every day, as well as their families and our veterans.

“Armed Forces Day is our chance to say thank you and give our support to those who make up the Armed Forces Community. I will be laying a wreath in memory of those who did not return from The Falklands forty years ago.”

Councillor Marilyn Procter, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “As Armed Forces Champion for the Council, I would like to pay tribute to our Armed Forces veterans and thank them for the sacrifices they have made in serving our country.

“A special mention also to our splendid Army Cadets and Air Cadets, as along with our young people, we look forward to the future.”