A fanfare of trumpets from The Band of The Parachute Regiment is set to herald Armed Forces Day in Colchester, at 10am, on Monday 25 June 2018.
Colchester Borough Council will join local authorities and community groups across the country by flying the Armed Forces Day flag in support of Servicemen and Women, and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets.
The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag and the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade flag from Colchester Town Hall will mark the start of a week of celebrations around the country, culminating in a national event in Liverpool on Saturday 30 June.
The Deputy Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Nick Cope, will lead the ceremony, which will be attended by the Commander of Colchester Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell, Garrison Sergeant Major WO1 Billy Biggar and members of 16 Air Assault Brigade.
The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Peter Chillingworth, said: “The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag gives us the opportunity to salute the role of our Service Men and Women, and give thanks and recognition to those who have devoted their lives to protecting our country.
“With so much of Colchester’s past tied to the presence of the military garrison it is as important today – as it always has been – to honour the enduring bond between the borough and its Armed Forces community.”
Lieutenant Colonel Steve Caldwell, Commander of Colchester Garrison, added: “Armed Forces Day is a chance for the nation to thank the military community, which encompasses serving troops, both regular and reserve, their families, veterans and cadets. Colchester Garrison is hugely proud of the close and longstanding bond that exists between the military and civilian communities in Colchester – a relationship that is the envy of other garrisons.
“The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag and the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade on Colchester Town Hall is a strong symbol of our mutually-supportive links.”
Before Monday’s ceremony, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor showed their support for Service personnel past and present by posing for a #SaluteOurForces selfie with some former members of the Armed Forces who now work for Colchester Borough Council.
Colchester Castle will also be supporting Armed Forces Day, by offering free entry on Saturday 30 June for serving personnel and their families with military ID or a Defence Privilege Card. And Visit Colchester will be marking Armed Forces Day with a Colchester at War’ themed walking tour.
Council staff will also be holding a bake day on 28th June, to raise funds for Help for Heroes.
For more information on Armed Forces Day, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk