Melton to fly the flag in support of Armed Forces Day

A flag flying ceremony to support Britain's National Armed Forces Day has been arranged by Melton Council.

The event will take place outside the council’s Parkside offices on Burton Street on Monday, starting at 10.40am.

Members of the public are welcome to come 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.

Service organisations will be represented and will include dogs from the Defence Animal Centre (DAC) in Melton. Regimental Sergeant Major Andy Dodds will take the lead in the parade.

Guests will be formally welcomed by the Mayor of Melton David Wright followed by a short service and blessing of the flag by Reverend Catriona Cumming. The flag will be raised at 11am to honour the British Armed Forces, past, present and future.

The flag will be raised by Private Adam Mudd who is now posted to the DAC as a dog trainer (detection dogs).

Among those supporting the event are local branches of the Armed Forces and the Royal British Legion. Melton’s affiliated ship, HMS Quorn, recently exercised its Freedom of the Borough by parading through the town centre.

Lieutenant Commander Conor O’Neill said: “The borough of Melton has always been a staunch supporter of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, as I saw in person during our freedom parade in the town earlier this month.

“It means a great deal to us while we are away from home, keeping the sea lanes open, to know that we have the support of the community in the UK. Thank you for raising a flag for us on Monday.”

The Mayor added: “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 urge our residents to come to this fly the flag ceremony and join me in marking the occasion.”

A special Service of Thanksgiving and Parade for the Armed Forces is also taking place at Leicester Cathedral on Saturday, June 25 in the presence of the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton.

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