Leicestershire thanks Armed Forces

Leicestershire will be marking Armed Forces Day at the weekend with a digital celebration.

The nation comes together on Saturday 27th June to show its appreciation and support for those within the Armed Forces community, including serving troops and their families, reservists, veterans and cadets.

The annual occasion is usually celebrated with parades, services of thanksgiving and community events.

But, this year, the Covid-19 pandemic and certain restrictions have meant the celebration has had to move online.

Leicestershire County Council has been working together with the Lieutenancy Office and local armed forces units, to come up with an alternative way to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

A new website has been created full of content paying tribute to the armed forces, including video messages, footage and images from past parades, a spotlight on the veterans who have raised the Armed Forces Day flag in previous years and information from local armed forces units.

Mike Kapur OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, and Pam Posnett MBE, chairman of Leicestershire County Council, have both created video messages in which they talk about the importance of Armed Forces Day, while Group Captain Jo Lincoln, Station Commander at RAF Wittering, also thanks the public for the support they give to the Armed Forces.

There is also a poster which residents are being encouraged to print off and put in their windows in the run-up to Armed Forces Day 2020 to show their support.

Mike Kapur OBE, said: “It’s important for us to take a moment to recognise our Armed Forces, their service to the country, and the sacrifices that they make to keep us safe.

"This year in particular we can take this opportunity to thank them all for their contribution to the Covid-19 response.”

Pam Posnett, MBE, county council chairman said: "It is a great honour and privilege to be part of this national event to honour our armed forces and to show our appreciation for their vital service and dedication.

Armed Forces Day is a way for us to join with people across the country to show our support for those men and women who currently serve – both regular and reserve – and to remember those who have served in the past."
 
The digital celebrations for Armed Forces Day 2020 can be found at  www.leicestershire.gov.uk/armed-forces-day