Special ceremony to pay tribute to the Armed Forces in Darlington
The council says everyone is welcome
A special ceremony is taking place in Darlington later paying tribute to our Armed Forces personnel.
Individuals, schools, community groups and businesses are welcome to take part as the council hosts the annual event which includes a parade and Raising the Flag ceremony in the Market Square.
It is to mark Reserves Day that happened earlier this week (Wednesday 25th June) and Armed Forces Day tomorrow (Saturday 28th June).
Organised by Darlington Borough Council, the celebrations will be led by the Mayor of Darlington Cllr Sonia Kane and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Ian Berry.
Invitations have been sent to all councillors, other civic dignitaries and representatives of the three branches of the armed forces, 50 Signals Squadron (37 Signal Regiment), the Royal British Legion, local veterans organisations and the uniformed services.
The Mayor said: “The event is a chance for us all to say thank you and show our support to all those who make up our Armed Forces, service families, veterans and cadets.
“We hope as many people as possible, of all ages, will join us in the Market Square for this annual event which we are proud to host.”
A short parade of representatives from the Armed Forces, military associations and civic guests will leave the Town Hall at 10.20am today (Friday 27th June), to make its way to the Market Square where the Raising the Flag ceremony will take place.
A bugler will sound the last post, and wreaths will be laid on the commemorative stone in the Market Square. There will also be an inspection of veterans and cadets, and the national anthem will also be played.
Anyone who wishes to attend is asked to be at the Market Square before 10.15am. All are welcome.
The event represents just one of the ways the council supports our Armed Forces, as it is also among the many public and private sector organisations that have committed to supporting personnel past and present by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant, a promise that ensures they are treated fairly.
To find out more about how you can show your support for the Armed Forces, you can visit their website.