The event will take place outside the front of the Council Offices, Parkside on Burton Street on Monday 19 June.  It starts at 10.40 a.m. when members of the public are urged to go along and show their support and honour those who serve, have served and those who have given their lives for their country in various conflicts and wars.

Military organisations will be represented and will include dogs and horses from the RAVC Defence Animal Training Regiment in Melton.  WO1 (CRSM) Stuart Rowles will take the lead in the parade.  

Guests will be formally welcomed by The Mayor, Cllr Tejpal Bains followed by a short service and blessing of the flag jointly by Reverend Kevin Ashby and Reverend Skinner.   The flag will be raised at 11.00 a.m. to honour the British Armed Forces, past, present and future. 

The flag will be raised by WO1 Adam Betts.  WO1 Betts has been in the Army for 19 years and is married with two children. Originally from Norwich in Norfolk,  his interests are horse riding, mainly Eventing and keeping fit. He has spent the last 4 years at the DATR as the Chief Trainer (CT) down at the Equine Training Squadron(ETS) and is due to be posted back to his Unit, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment by the end of the year.

Among those supporting the event are local branches of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion.  Melton’s affiliated ship, HMS Quorn, whose Commanding Officer and crew exercised the right to march through the town last year is currently undergoing a refit in Plymouth.

Mayor, Cllr Tejpal Bains said “The Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity for everyone to show their support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families and from veterans to cadets. I would like to invite anyone who can to come to this fly the flag ceremony and join me in marking the occasion.”   

The Mayor and Mayoress will also be attending a Special Service of Thanksgiving taking place at Leicester Cathedral on Saturday 24 June in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton.

~ends~

For more information please contact:

Lena Shuttlewood

Democracy & Involvement Officer

Melton Borough Council

Telephone: 01664 502314

Email: lshuttlewood@melton.gov.uk 

Note to Editor

Photo opportunity at Parkside from 10.45 a.m.