Councils across Cumbria are flying the flag to support Armed Forces Day.
South Lakeland District Council held a ceremony this morning to hoist an Armed Forces Day flag above Kendal Town Hall to say thank you to serving troops, service families, veterans, war widows, reservists and cadets.
Among those attending the event were representatives from the Royal British Legion and Royal Naval Association, the authority’s chairman Pete McSweeney, leader Jonathan Brook and chief executive Lawrence Conway.
Burneside Brass bugler Pauline Bateman played The General Salute while the flag was raised by the council’s caretakers.
Today marks the start of Armed Forces Week and the flag will remain above Kendal Town Hall until after Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 25.
Councillor McSweeney said: “It’s always a privilege to pay tribute to service personnel past and present – especially so in this platinum jubilee year when we thank those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s armed forces throughout her long reign.
“Today we’ve come together to raise the flag and say thank you for everything the forces do for our country. Their duty and dedication to keeping us safe is outstanding, and we would also like to salute their families for the sacrifices they make behind the scenes.
“We all share the same goals of living together in peace, supported by the entire armed forces community. I hope that today’s flag-raising ceremony will give a much-valued morale boost to South Lakeland’s service personnel and their loved ones at home and overseas.”
Eden District Council raised a flag on its offices at Penrith Town Hall.
Councillor Henry Sawrey-Cookson, Eden District Council’s armed forces champion, said: “As a former serviceman myself, I am honoured to have recently been nominated as the Armed Forces Champion for Eden District Council.
“The council created the role of armed forces champion to highlight its appreciation and support for those men and women who have served in our armed forces, past and present. I look forward to celebrating and giving voice to those who serve and have served in the military, especially those veterans who now play such a vital part in our civilian communities.
“Eden District Council is proud to fly the flag in honour of Armed Forces Day, which symbolises the contribution the armed forces have made, and continue to make to ensure our country’s freedoms and security.”
