Posted on Friday 21st June 2024
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, with Armed Forces Flag
People from Staffordshire are being invited to show their support for the armed forces, as the county prepares to celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June.
Leading the nation’s commemorations is the National Memorial Arboretum in Alrewas, who will be marking the event across two days, with a host of fun interactive family activities.
Staffordshire County Council will also be flying the armed forces flag from Shire Hall in Stafford over the weekend to show their support. People are also being encouraged to join the #saluteourforces campaign by uploading photos of themselves saluting to pay tribute.
Alan White, Leader at Staffordshire County Council and former major in the British Army said:
“This is a really important day for me and a day we show our appreciation to the brave men and women in our services.
We have strong connections with our military in Staffordshire both present and past and the day gives us the chance to show our support for them. Armed forces communities are an important part of our society and it’s important that their contribution and the valuable skills and experience they bring with them is recognised.
There are lots of different ways to show your support for them and I would urge people to do what they can on the day and over the weekend.”
Other events will be taking place on the day and the Vice-Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Colin Greatorex and The Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Ian Dudson are both attending the North Staffordshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebration event on Sunday 30 June. Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Pritpal Nagi MBE DL will also be attending a special event being organised by the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre on Saturday 29 June.
Staffordshire County Council re-signed the Armed Forces Covenant last year reaffirming its commitment to the armed forces community. The authority has also been awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Gold award for its ongoing work to support the employment of the armed forces.
The authority is now calling on other local businesses and organisations to pledge their support too and further details are available on the Armed Forces Covenant website.
People can find out more about the day, along with any local events on the Armed Forces Day website.