Armed Forces Day flag to be raised

A special flag flying ceremony to support Britain’s second national Armed Forces Day has been arranged by Wyre Forest District Council.

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised at Kidderminster Town Hall on Monday 21st June. The event will start at 10.00am when guests are asked to arrive at the Worcestershire Hub reception next to Kidderminster Town Hall.

At 10.15am guests will be formally welcomed and at 10.20am prayers will be led by Rev Rose Lawley. The flag will be raised at 10.30am to honour the British Armed Forces, past, present and future.

Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council, Cllr Gordon Yarranton will be raising the flag. Among those attending the event are members of the Royal British Legion, the RAF Association, and the Worcestershire Sherwood Foresters.

Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Partnership Services said,

"The Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets. We urge Wyre Forest residents to come to the flag flying ceremony at the Town Hall, and if appropriate to wear their full military regalia, berets, blazers or uniform to mark the occasion.

Other events have been planned across the district to support Armed Forces day. These include a tombola stall in the Swan Centre Kidderminster, Thursday 24th June from 9.00am to 2.00pm. On Saturday 26th June there will be a table top sale at Kidderminster Town Hall from 9.00am to 1.30pm and Cabaret Showtime 2010 is on Saturday 26th June at Kidderminster Town Hall. Tickets are available from Kidderminster Town Hall. All proceeds from these events will go to the Kidderminster Ex Service Men, Women and Veterans Trust.

Wyre Forest District Council is one of hundreds of councils across the country taking part in a week of official celebrations in honour of our Armed Forces. The national centrepiece of the celebrations is on 26th June in Cardiff. For more information visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk

For more information about Wyre Forest District Council’s flag flying ceremony contact Amy Smith, Wyre Forest District Council at amy.smith@wyreforestdc.gov.uk or call 01562 732928.

Date of issue - 7 June 2010