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

Rev John Morley raises the Armed Forces Flag in the Memorial Gardens.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Rev John Morley raises the Armed Forces Flag in the Memorial Gardens. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Harborough is gearing up to back a host of online celebrations marking this year’s national Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day (AFD) is an annual opportunity for the UK public to celebrate the work of our Armed Forces and thank them for their service.

Saturday June 27 will be the 12th annual Armed Forces Day and the first to be held virtually, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Armed Forces flag in the Memorial Gardens.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Armed Forces flag in the Memorial Gardens. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

This year’s event will be celebrated online through websites and social media channels, with people encouraged to show their support from home.

The week leading up to AFD, often referred to as ‘Armed Forces Week’, will be used to highlight different elements of the military:

· Monday June 22 - Flag raising, Global Armed Forces and the start of Armed Forces Week

· Tuesday June 23 - Innovation

Memorial Gardens during the Armed Forces flag raising.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Memorial Gardens during the Armed Forces flag raising. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

· Wednesday June 24 - Reserves Day

· Thursday June 25 - Veterans

· Friday June 26 - Cadets

· Saturday June 27 – National Armed Forces Day.

Jill Mann vice chairman and Rev John Morley outside Harborough District Council offices with the Armed Forces flag.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Jill Mann vice chairman and Rev John Morley outside Harborough District Council offices with the Armed Forces flag. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

Harborough District Council is throwing its weight behind Armed Forces Day - as well as recognising the veterans, reservists and cadets who live and work locally.

“Normally a public flag raising event is held at The Symington Building.

“But this year, due to the restrictions on public gatherings, the flag raising will be shared ‘virtually’ via social media on Monday June 22,” said the council.

Cllr Rani Mahal, Harborough council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “The armed forces are often taken for granted as a fighting force, defending our country whilst keeping us safe from harm.

“But even at peace times the military have been active.

“They have been setting up mobile Covid-19 testing centres, building much-needed hospitals within a number of days and assisting with flood defences during this winter.

“I hope you’ll join us in thanking our armed forces and look out for ways you can get involved during Armed Forces Week.”

Get involved in thanking our armed forces on social media, using the hashtags #ArmedForcesDay and #SaluteOurForces, and find out more here or at www.armedforcesday.org.uk