East Devon supports Armed Forces Day

East Devon District Council was proud to be one of 450 councils - when it raised the British Armed Forces Flag at Knowle in Sidmouth today (22 June) -  taking part in celebrations to support the 7th annual Armed Forces Day, which is being held on Saturday 27 June. 

This nationwide morale boosting campaign publically recognises the braveness and hard work undertaken by serving troops, reservists, veterans, cadets and Service families. The flag will continue to remain flying in the week leading up to Armed Forces Day.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Chairman of East Devon District Council, officially hoisted the flag at 10.00am as part of today’s ceremony to honour the United Kingdom’s Service men and women. He was joined by guests from the Sidbury & Sidford and Sidmouth branches of the Royal British Legion, Councillor Jeff Turner, Chairman of Sidmouth Town Council, Councillor Helen Parr, Vice Chairman of East Devon District Council, Mark Williams, Chief Executive of East Devon District Council and senior officers from the District Council.

In his speech to mark the occasion, Councillor Hughes made particular reference to the enormous sacrifices made by all the different services in their efforts to maintain peace and security throughout the land and to protect people’s freedom and way of life:

“We are here today to honour these extraordinary people from all the services  – our airmen, soldiers, sailors, and Royal Marines – regardless of what branch or what duty they perform, I think of one word: sacrifice.

“They endure, so the rest of us can live freely. No matter where these men and women are serving, or what mission they are supporting, all are making sacrifices for a better world. They have our respect, our admiration and our gratitude.”

Cllr Hughes also emphasised the importance of recognising the wider contribution made by the services, including cadet organisations and the ordinary citizens who contribute to the security of their country by being volunteer reservists.