[S]outh Lakeland District Council (SLDC) flew the flag on Monday morning to support Armed Forces Day.
The council held a ceremony to hoist a specially commissioned Armed Forces Day flag above Kendal Town Hall to celebrate the essential role of the armed forces, both past and present.
Captain Steve Firth assisted SLDC’s caretakers in raising the flag, which will remain above Kendal Town Hall until after Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 24 June.
The event was attended by school students from Queen Katherine and Kirkbie Kendal, ex-servicemen, Chairman of SLDC, Councillor Eric Morrell, Lieutenant Neil Allison, representatives from the Royal British Legion and SLDC Chief Executive, Lawrence Conway.
Those who attended the event gathered at the town hall entrance, where two Sea Cadet buglers played ‘The Last Post’ and ‘Reveille’ while the flag was raised.
This is the eighth Armed Forces Day, an annual event that raises public awareness of the contribution made to the country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.
It also gives the nation an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community, from currently serving troops to service families and veterans to cadets.
Chairman of SLDC, Cllr Eric Morrell, said: “This is a good opportunity for the council and the South Lakeland community to express support and build partnerships with various local branches of the armed forces represented at this flag-raising event.
“This event marks the start of a week of local and national events. I hope everyone can take part and continue to share common goals of living together in peace supported by the forces.”
On Armed Forces Day itself there will be a wide range of community-led events taking place in towns and cities around the country.
For more information on the celebrations taking place, and how you can take part, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk.
