Dumfries and Galloway celebrate Armed Forces Week
Communities are being encouraged to come along to these events.
Dumfries and Galloway communities are being encouraged to pay respect at events spread across the week marking Armed Forces Day.
This annual national event is an opportunity for people to pay respect to all local veterans, male and female, who have served or are still serving.
On Monday, there will be several flag-raising ceremonies across the region, which will be flown until 30 June.
On Saturday, there will be a parade in Dumfries Town Centre from 11.40am to 12.30pm, which will be led by members of Dumfries and Annan Town Boards.
Retired and serving armed forces personnel will follow behind.
Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, will be the master of ceremonies.
He says, “I am pleased to invite all veterans, reserves, cadets and serving personnel to come along to mark the occasion with us by being part of the parade; and to everyone in our community to come along and watch.
“It is testament to the value that our citizens place on armed forces personnel that so many people come along to support us, and I would encourage anyone to share in the camaraderie and pride that comes from being part of this event.”
Former Convenor Councillor Malcolm Johnstone says, “Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to show our appreciation for those who have served and who continue to serve in our armed forces.
“In Dumfries and Galloway, our armed forces are very well supported by people from across the length and breadth of the region.
“A recent example of this was when many people joined us on 10 May to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day in recognition of the significant sacrifice that was made by so many during the Second World War.
“Reflecting on that day, there was a huge sense of respect and gratitude for those who have served and who continue to serve, further enhancing the strong support for the armed forces”.