A GROUP of VIPs from public services and the Armed Forces gathered outside County Hall, Taunton, this morning (Monday, June 21) to honour Service personnel past and present at the start of Armed Forces Week.

The Armed Forces flag was raised by Somerset County Council vice-chairman Cllr Mark Keating.

Among senior figures at the event were Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher, of the UK Hydrographic Office; Commodore Niall Griffin, Commanding Officer, Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton; Lt Col Andy Dow, Commanding Officer 40 Commando Royal Marines; and Brigadier (Retd) Steve Hodder, chief executive Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.

Cllr Keating was accompanied by council leader Cllr David Fothergill, Cllr Rod Williams, chairman of the Somerset Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, and the council's chief executive Pat Flaherty.

Cllr Keating said: “It is an honour for us to be joined by so many distinguished guests in person.

"Last year’s flag raising came during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is fitting that this year we can be joined by representatives from the NHS and the Armed Forces who have done so much for our county and country in fighting the virus and administering vaccines.”

The event is part of Somerset County Council's long-standing commitment to Armed Forces veterans.

The authority has launched the Veterans Guaranteed Interview Scheme. This means that a veteran who has left the Armed Forces in the last five years – and their partner – will be guaranteed an interview with the authority if they apply and meet the essential criteria for the job.

“As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, SCC recognises the valuable transferable skills veterans bring and we want to support ex-Service personnel to access our employment opportunities,” said Chris Squire, the council’s director of human resources and organisational development.

“We recognise that for some veterans, the transition to civilian life can be challenging, particularly in finding and securing lasting employment. The scheme has been introduced to further our commitment to equality and to support ex-Service personnel in accessing employment opportunities.”

Cllr Williams said: “This flag raising reaffirms Somerset’s commitment to support those in the Armed Forces community, whether they are a Regular, Reservist, Veteran, Cadet, or their immediate family.

“The military calling is like no other in the demands of military training, operations and combat. We owe it to our Regular and Reservist Servicemen and women to give them every support and an appreciative home to return to.

"We owe it to our Veterans to recognise their service and to value the exceptional skills they have developed. And we owe it to their families to understand the demands of service in the Armed Forces.”

Somerset County Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces has been recognised with a Silver Award as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme set up by the Ministry of Defence.