By North Lincolnshire celebrates Armed Forces Day
Today is Armed Forces Day, an annual event taking place on the last Saturday each June.
Celebrations began on Monday 21 June when the Armed Forces Day flag was raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
Sadly, most other events have been cancelled for the second year in a row due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
But there are still many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support.
North Lincolnshire Council will be celebrating the day virtually via the Facebook page. Residents will be able to watch the flag being raised and hear from members of the Armed Forces who have made the move into civilian life.
The Armed Forces flag was raised earlier this week at a special ceremony by the Mayor of North Lincolnshire Cllr Peter Clark with the Mayor’s chaplain, Rev Enid Knowles and deputy chief executive of North Lincolnshire Council, Simon Green.
Watching over the event were Captain Terry Reilly, 146 Divisional Support Company REME (146 DS Coy REME), Lieutenant Colonel Guy Balmer, Deputy Naval Regional Commander Northern England & Isle of Man and Flying Officer (RAF AFC) Nigel Price along with Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby Croft and Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council.
On parade were representatives from RAF Scampton, the Army Cadet Force, RAF Air Cadets and Sea Cadets as well as local veterans from across North Lincolnshire, led by Sergeant Jon Jones (146 DS Coy REME).
As well as the flag raising, the event marked the unveiling of specially planted flower beds paying tribute to those who have served, and a plaque with a quote from Captain Sir Tom Moore stating: ‘Tomorrow will be a good day’.
There are also a number of fun family events taking place this weekend, including:
- Armed Forces Day trail at Normanby Hall Country Park on June 26
- Build your own wooden craft glider at North Lincolnshire Museum on June 26 – 27
- Make a Treasure Map with invisible ink at 20-21 Visual Arts Gallery on 26 June
- Picnic ‘n’ Paint activity at Waters’ Edge Visitors Centre & Country Park, Barton on June 26
How will you be showing your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community?
