ARMED Forces celebrations are underway across Warwickshire this week, beginning with the ceremonial hoisting of the Armed Forces Day flag at Shire Hall in Warwick.
This marks the start of a week of recognition ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
Armed Forces Day brings communities together to show their appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community from currently serving personnel and reservists to veterans, cadets, and their families.
Across Coventry and Warwickshire, this community is significant, with around 70,000 veterans, 2,500 regular personnel and 1,000 reservists calling the area home.
The flag-raising was accompanied by a parade at Shire Hall, attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Warwickshire, Tim Cox, alongside members of Warwickshire County Council, veterans, and representatives from the Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership.
Coun Dale Keeling, chairman of Warwickshire County Council and Chair of the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, said: “We are proud to mark Armed Forces Week as a clear and visible demonstration of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and our ongoing support for the entire armed forces community; including regulars, reserves, veterans and their families.
“In Warwickshire, we are committed to working closely with our partners to tackle the challenges faced by armed forces personnel and their families. By working across housing, health, education, social care and with local businesses, we are striving to open up opportunities, reduce inequalities, and make a positive difference to people’s lives.”
Mr Cox, added: “It is always a privilege to represent both His Majesty and Warwickshire at events where we come together to honour members of the armed forces and their families, past and present. Armed Forces Week is not just about marking a moment in time, it is a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to recognise, respect and support those who make such significant sacrifices for our country.”
For information on support for the Armed Forces community in Warwickshire visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/support-armed-forces
