How Warwickshire is marking Armed Forces Day with a week of celebrations

Flags were raised yesterday (Monday) to mark the occasion
Flags were raised yesterday (Monday) ahead of Armed Forces Day.Flags were raised yesterday (Monday) ahead of Armed Forces Day.
Flags were raised yesterday (Monday) ahead of Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces celebrations in Warwickshire have begun this week, despite the Covid-19 restrictions.

There will be a series of events this week, which started yesterday (Monday), when the Armed Forces Day flag was put up at Shire Hall in Warwick.

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Armed Forces Day, which this year takes place on Saturday June 27, is an annual national event that gives communities the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces including currently serving troops, service families, reservists, veterans and cadets.

Councillor Bob Stevens, chair of the Sub Regional Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership, said: “The flag raising ceremony is a special occasion to honour the sacrifice made by our armed forces past and present, and their tireless work to keep us safe.

"This year, given the current pandemic restrictions we couldn’t be present during the ceremony, but it does not stop us honouring and supporting Armed Forces Week.

"We are continuing to work hard with our partners in the Armed Forces Community Covenant for Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull to provide services and assistance to armed forces personnel and their families.

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"To celebrate Armed Forces Week, a range of events are taking place, digitally this year due to Covid-19 restrictions, and we hope as many people as possible participate and enjoy the online events.”

Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Warwickshire, Tim Cox, said: “Warwickshire County Council is among local authorities and organisations looking after famous landmarks up and down the country, all raising the flag ahead of Armed Forces Day.

“This year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations are different, and I am happy that we can honour our serving troops, service families, reservists, veterans and cadets through digital media.

"Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, our military services have been active in supporting our shielding hubs, setting up and running mobile testing units and much more. Now, more than ever, I feel that we must be grateful to our Armed Forces and I am inviting everyone to join us in thanking them for everything that they have done.”

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Due to continuing nationwide restrictions brought about by Covid-19 pandemic, all physical Armed Forces Day and Reserve Day events have been cancelled, but there are still plenty of digital ways to get involved and show your support.

Today (Tuesday June 23) at 2-2.30pm, Lt Col Matthew Longcake, Commanding Officer of 37 Signal Regiment Redditch, will give an insight into the work on how local reserves units have stepped up in the response to Covid-19 and how they have played their part in Op Rescript.

On Wednesday June 24 at 2pm-3pm Armed Forces will provide a webinar, giving more information to those who are interested in finding out about the Royal Navy Reserves, Army Reserves or Royal Air Force Reserves. This special event will feature presentations from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

On Thursday June 25 at 2.30pm-3.30pm will take place an “Army Engagement Team live virtual broadcast event”. A multimedia presentation on our British Army.

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A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council (WCC) said: "In addition to the virtual events taking place for Armed Forces Week, WCC is also pleased to announce that it has become an Armed Forces-friendly organisation.

"The council is improving the support available to members of the Armed Forces who are current or potential future employees of the council and a further announcement will be made on Reserves Day (Wednesday June 24 ) detailing the changes being made.

"WCC wants to be a great place to work for all employees, including members of the armed forces seeking employment.

For information on events taking place on Armed Forces Day, visit the Armed Forces Day website: Armed Forces Day events Warwickshire or the Armed Forces Community Covenant (AFCC) Website: https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/armedforcesnews