Bromsgrove fly the flag for armed forces

Bromsgrove District Council chairman Councillor Rod Laight raised the flag in a ceremony at Crown Green near to Amphlett Hall and the War Memorial.

The annual ‘Fly the Flag for our Armed Forces’ ceremony was unable to formally take place last year due to the pandemic.

This year, whilst the flag raising took place with a small number of invited guests, the extended government restrictions meant that it could not be a public event like it is usually.

Chairman of Bromsgrove Society Pat Tansell and vice-chairman Jo Slade.

Councillor Laight said: “It is important that we mark Armed Forces Day with the flag raising to commemorate not only those who have given their lives but those who continue to protect us all.

"It is a symbol for the whole community, even if we cannot physically be together just yet.”

As the Armed Forces ceremony also falls on a ‘designated day’, in this case The Duke of Cambridge’s birthday, there will also be a Union Flag flown above the Parkside building.

Reeve of Bromsgrove Court Leet Neil Beaumont, chairman of RBL Bromsgrove Patrick Smith, chairman of Bromsgrove District Council Rod Laight and bailiff of Bromsgrove Court Leet Jo Slade.

Jo Slade, bailiff of Bromsgrove Court Leet and vice chairman of Bromsgrove Society said: "The Armed Forces Day Flag was raised in Bromsgrove as a sign of respect and gratitude to the service men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

"I was proud to represent the Bromsgrove Court Leet and Bromsgrove Society, and joined with other local organisations for a short ceremony on Crown Close."

Bromsgrove MP, Sajid Javid said: "Fantastic to see the Armed Forces Day flag raised in Bromsgrove. Thank you to all our Armed Forces for your incredible service."

The flag will fly throughout the week, before the 13th Armed Forces Day being held this Saturday, June 26.