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 Tina Tuohy and Captain David Preece representing the Naval Base Commander, alongside other military and civic leaders.
The flag will be flown all week, as events take place across the city, including the Strength of Spirit Games, Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Navy on Thursday 27 June and Armed Forces Day in association with Babcock International, on Saturday 29 June.
Lord Mayor of Plymouth, Councillor Tina Tuohy, 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.
On Thursday we are extremely privileged to be able to watch the Strength of Spirit Games, ahead of celebrating Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe, which is looking to be a truly spectacular event.”
Spectators can see athletes compete in the Strength of Spirit Games, sponsored by AECOM and The Royal Marines Charity, on Plymouth Hoe, on Thursday 11am to 5pm, including the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Navy. The games have been expanded to include The Plymouth School Sports Partnership Junior Rowing Challenge, 10am to 11.15am.
Darren Carlile, Head of National Security UK&I AECOM, said: “AECOM is committed to supporting Armed Forces personnel and the veteran community. As a former Corps of Royal Engineers serviceman, as well as a colleague to other former veterans, every day I see the skills and value they bring to our organisation. We are proud to support the Strength of Spirit Games, including the Rehabilitation Triathlon, and to cheer on these remarkable athletes. In addition, we’re very excited to support the inaugural Plymouth School Sports Partnership Junior Rowing Challenge and would like to wish the pupils taking part the best of luck!”
There will be plenty more interactive displays, military equipment, thrilling demonstrations, and entertainment to enjoy at Armed Forces Day, sponsored by Babcock International, on Saturday, from 10am. Visitors can get up close to the Merlin Mk4 helicopter and chat to the aircrew, and watch an air demonstration from 4pm, with the Swordfish W5856 and Wasp. Following this will be an adrenaline-packed Formation Pair performance by the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers. (Subject to weather).
Dave Tytherleigh from Babcock’s Leadership Team at Devonport, said: “We are proudly supporting Plymouth Armed Forces Day for the tenth consecutive year. This iconic event provides a great opportunity to celebrate the important work of our Military community. Visit the Babcock display on 29 June, featuring plenty of hands-on activities for all ages, including a variety of Science Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) challenges to try. Visitors can also chat to the team to find out about the wide range of career opportunities available, including our apprenticeship programmes.”
Armed Forces Day will see ‘villages’ set up across the Hoe, from each Military Service, Emergency Services and the Veterans Village supported by the Royal British Legion.
The day will finish with a free evening concert, sponsored by C&G Catering, featuring The Feel Good Factory, Jessica and the Rabbits, Rockafella and The Big Strut.
As part of Armed Forces Week, representatives from the British Army will be on the Piazza in Plymouth city centre on Wednesday (26 June) and Thursday (27 June). Highlighting the many exciting full and part time career opportunities available, plus hands-on activities, vintage military vehicles and a climbing wall to try. 29 Commando Regiment RA and a team of Ammunition Technicians will also be present, with a display of equipment.