The Armed Forces Flag was raised today following a ceremony at Plymouth Guildhall, marking the start of Armed Forces Week.
The ceremony was attended by the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer and Captain David Preece representing the Naval Base Commander, alongside other military and civic leaders, including: Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, and Councillor Andy Lugger, Leader of the Opposition.
The flag will be flown all week, as events take place across the city, including the Rehabilitation Triathlon sponsored by AECOM and The Royal Marines Charity, on Thursday 22 June and Armed Forces Day in association with Babcock, on Saturday 24 June.
Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Mark Shayer, said: “We are very proud of our military history and our Armed Forces based in the city. Armed Forces Week is an opportunity to celebrate and say thank you to our military, from serving personnel to reservists, veterans and cadets, for all the admirable work they do.
“It’s also a time where we can acknowledge the support of their families and especially those who have lost loved ones”.
“On Thursday we are extremely privileged to be able to watch the Rehabilitation Triathlon, and on Saturday we will be celebrating Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe, which is looking to be a truly spectacular event.”
Paul Watson, Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport site, said: “It is a privilege to be headline sponsor for this fantastic event again this year. Plymouth Armed Forces Day is one of the biggest events in the city’s calendar and provides an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about the critical role that our Armed Forces play in keeping our country safe – something Babcock is hugely proud to support.”
As part of Armed Forces Week celebrations, representatives from the British Army will be on the Piazza in Plymouth city centre on Wednesday 21 June and Thursday 22 June, highlighting the many exciting full and part time career opportunities available, plus hands-on activities, military vehicles, simulators and a climbing wall to try.
There will be plenty more interactive activities and entertainment to enjoy at Armed Forces Day, on Saturday, including a thrilling flypast from the Red Arrows (subject to weather and operational commitments), the aerobatics display team of the RAF, which will take place after the Parade of Standards, at 11.18am.
The military villages will showcase a wide variety of interactive activities and displays and visitors can chat to members of all the armed forces, learning more about the vehicles and equipment they use.
In the Veterans Village, sponsored by the Royal British Legion, more than 80 organisations and charities will offer information and advice on a wide range of issues.
There will also be an all-day arena programme, parades, live music, military weapons and vehicles – including rescue boats and emergency service vehicles – on display.
From 5pm, a free evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering will take place on the main stage with performances from Shane Brierley, The Vibes, Jessica and the Rabbits and Rockafella. Headlining the evening is Dr Oz, mixing soul, funk and ska from the past five decades with an energetic stage show.
For more information about the Rehabilitation Triathlon and Armed Forces Day, including the full event programme, please see www.plymoutharmedforcesday.co.uk
