The nation has come together to mark Armed Forces Week, with flag-raising ceremonies across the country kicking off a week of celebrations and community events.
From right here in the Midlands to Edinburgh Castle, Cardiff, Carrickfergus and the National Memorial Arboretum, the Armed Forces Day flag is flying proudly as the public show their support for Service personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and the families that support them.
In London the Houses of Parliament are flying the Armed Forces Day flag in New Palace Yard at the Palace of Westminster this week.
This comes as the House of Commons signed the Armed Forces Covenant today, joining 7,000 other employers and organisations who have made the landmark commitment to our Armed Forces and veterans over the Covenant’s ten year history.
The Covenant is a formal agreement between the Government and organisations to ensure that no service personnel or veterans are disadvantaged due to having served in the Armed Forces.
The flag-raising ceremony in Westminster, attended by the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Defence Secretary, has opened a week-long series of celebrations with more than 100 community events to be held in towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said:
“As we kick off events to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day, I’m delighted that the House of Commons is showing their support for our Service personnel by raising the flag and signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
“This week is an annual opportunity for all of us to recognise the work our Armed Forces do, at home and abroad, to keep us safe.”
Armed Forces Week is a chance for people to come together to thank our Armed Forces who defend our way of life, protect British citizens around the world, and strengthen our relationships with our allies and partners.
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