COTSWOLD District Council commemorated Armed Forces Day on Monday, June 22 by hosting flag raising ceremonies at its Cirencester headquarters and its Moreton Area Centre office.

The ceremonies were attended by representatives of South Cerney-based 29 Regt, Royal Logistic Corps, the British Legion and other veterans, military cadets from the Deer Park School, Cirencester, pupils from Dormer House School, Moreton, the public and members and staff of the Council.

At the Cirencester ceremony the Council Vice-Chairman, Cllr Julian Beale praised the work of the armed forces and their families, often in arduous and dangerous circumstances.

He made special reference to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe and Victory in Japan. Additionally, he mentioned that one hundred years ago millions of lives were being lost during the First World War and one hundred years earlier the Battle of Waterloo changed the course of European history.

The Moreton-in-Marsh ceremony was hosted by Council Chairman, Cllr Mark Annett. He echoed the sentiments expressed by Cllr Beale, and added the following comment: "Cllr Beale and I were proud to welcome fellow past and present members of the Armed Forces to celebrate this special day.

"We were also very pleased to see so many attendees from local schools, the public and the Council, which shows a growing awareness about the role of the armed forces in helping to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and making the world a safer place.”

Armed Forces Day was first launched in June 2009 to show support for the work of serving troops and cadets, as well as service families and veterans.

This year, the national celebration will take place in Plymouth on Saturday, June 27 and was preceded by a week of ceremonies, parties and marches across the UK.

  • For more information on Armed Forces Day, please visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk