Flag for Armed Forces Day

Yeovil and District Sea Cadets from TS Mantle VC raised an Armed Forces Day Flag at the council offices of South Somerset District Council in Yeovil as part of a week long appreciation for the Armed Forces. The event was attended by regular staff from the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton led by Executive Officer, Commander Terry Tyack RN, plus Major Dave Fielder Royal Marines, Chief Petty Office George Ashe and Writer James Hawkley who were there to support this event. The military group also included Cadets from 1032 (Yeovil) Air Training Corps Squadron and members of the Royal British Legion.

Leader of South Somerset District Council Cllr Ric Pallister, who is a retired RN Officer with a long association in the Naval Air Service, made a short speech after the flag was raised where he outlined the ongoing excellent relations between the military and the local community and he extolled the positive support that military now receives and thanked all those for their commitment and dedication.

Commander Tyack said “We are really grateful for all the support we receive from the South Somerset Community. Their appreciation is thanks enough for the difficult work we are sometimes asked to carry out in the UK and abroad on Military Operations.”

Armed Forces Day is recognised annually on the last Saturday in June. Beginning in 2006 the original Veterans Day was changed in 2009 to Armed Forces Day to commemorate the service of men and women from all the three Armed Forces.

It's an opportunity to do two things. Firstly, to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces, Secondly; it gives the nation an opportunity to Show their Support for the men and women who make up the military community: from currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to cadets.

Across the country people get involved: communities hold local events and business show their support by offering many discounts and concessionary offers. The National Event this year will be held in Plymouth, but there are many more events up and down the country being held in support of Armed Forces Day.

The UK Armed Forces defend the UK and its interests. They are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers and providing security and fighting terrorism.

The UK main military effort today is in Afghanistan. There our Armed Forces operate successfully alongside NATO and other coalition partners, providing a more stable and secure Afghanistan to help ensure a safer Britain and the world.

Support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for the troops and their families at a time of intense tempo and workload.