ARMED Forces Day events are taking place across Taunton Deane.  On Saturday, June 24, Armed Forces Day sees celebrations and ceremonies take place across the country to support the armed forces community.  Somerset County Council raised a flag today to show support..

Raised by Cllr Rod Williams, newly elected Chairman of Somerset’s Armed Forces Covenant, the Armed Forces flag will be on display at County Hall for the remainder of the week.

Cllr Williams said: “Today’s flag raising ceremony at County Hall reaffirms Somerset’s support for the Armed Forces community and its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“Somerset values its strong links to the Royal Navy, 40 Commando Royal Marines, The Rifles and the Army Air Corps. Our serving men and women greatly appreciate your support, whether in their families, their communities, Somerset businesses or local government.

“The flag is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces Community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets, providing a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families. We are proud to show our support.”  Somerset County Council hosts the Somerset Armed Forces Covenant and so far through MoD funding has secured around £500,000 to support community and military projects designed to bring local communities and military communities closer together.

These include over £19,500 given recently to Balsam Centre, ‘Hub2’ in Wincanton, to help civilians and military families share a host of planned activities aiming to bring the two communities closer together and £8,000 given to the Royal Navy Royal Marines to benefit the Wyndham Park Community Hub, situated on the outskirts of Yeovil.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve. It says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and not disadvantaged in their day to day lives.

Taunton Deane Borough Council officials raised their flag yesterday, (Monday) at a short ceremony outside of Deane House. 

In Wellington, town mayor Gary James will be joined by other councillors from town council at the war memorial in Wellington Park.

The Royal British Legion Wellington Branch’s Garden of Remembrance will be dedicated to the day. 

The ashes of remembrance crosses will be scattered and a poppy wreath will be laid. The events in the park take place from 10am.

Mayor James said: “The Town Council wanted to formally express its gratitude and respect to the men and women who have served and currently are serving our country.

“We also wish to recognise the hard work they have carried out.”

Residents are invited to mark the occasion with the council by joining the mayor for the ceremony.

Members of the Royal British Legion Wellington Branch will accompany the mayor and the Army Cadet Force in the ceremony.

A prayer will be given as well as the exhortation by the presidents of the British Legion’s Wellington Branch, Michael Rose.

The Head Boy and Head Girl of Rockwell Green school will give a reading they have created themselves for the occasion.

The Friends of Wellington Park is providing seating for veterans.

Contact Pete Critchard on 01823 668698 if seating is required.

Visit armedforcesday.org.uk for more information.