A SERIES of events was held across Wokingham borough to ensure it took part in this year’s Armed Forces Day.
Last week, Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Beth Rowlands raised a special flag at the Shute End offices of the council, showing support for servicemen and women, past and present.
Then on Saturday, Wokingham Town Council arranged for a special performance of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band in Peach Place, giving people an opportunity to enjoy some music while thinking of Armed Forces Day.
The flag raising, held on Friday, was attended by the council’s new armed forces representative Cllr Peter Harper, as well as Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Cllr Clive Jones, Cllr Michael Firmager, Cllrs Caroline Smith, Cllr Mike Smith, Cllr Phil Cunnington, Cllr Alison Swaddle, Cllr Andy Croy, Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey and former councillor Angus Ross.
Cllr Rowland, whose father and his two brothers served in the Royal Engineers in the Second World War, said: “By raising the flag, we are showing our support to our commendable Armed Forces community.
“We must also remember the brave people who served our country and sadly lost their lives to keep our communities safe.
“At the council, we are proud to fly the flag and show our support and gratitude to all. Thank you all for your commendable courage, service and dedication to protect and defend our country and its best interests.”
And Cllr Harper, whose father served in the RAF and grandfather took part in the Gallipoli landings in the First World War, said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the council’s new Armed Forces Champion and to take part in this national flag raising event to remember and recognise the community of service men and women.
“We are proud to have around 1,000 serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans living in our borough and we will abide by the Armed Forces Covenant to treat them and their families fairly.
“The borough thanks you for your service and the sacrifices you have made.”
Pictures of Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band’s performance will be in Thursday’s print edition of Wokingham Today, on sale in all good newsagents, supermarkets and petrol stations in the borough.
