Armed Forces Day celebrations in South Glos

Armed Forces Day

South Gloucestershire Council will be showing its support for Britain’s servicemen and women by hosting a special event in Staple Hill to mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25th June.

The event will include a parade of veterans, military vehicles and marching bands starting at 11:30am. There will also be events in Page Park from 10:30am to 4pm with activities for all the family to enjoy.

As part of the formal proceedings, General Sir Peter Wall, Chief of the General Staff and professional head of the Army will take the salute as the parade marches past, and the drumhead ceremony – a long standing tradition for military days – will be led by Reverend Roy Harrison. Also in attendance will be Air Vice Marshal Simon Bollom.

Also as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations, Staple Hill Library will be holding an evening with an ex-Royal Marine who will be giving a first hand account of life in the Marines.

He will be talking about why he enlisted, the training and what life in the forces is like including being under fire in various scenarios around the world. This is a unique opportunity to listen to find out more about our armed forces; the friendships that are built and the stresses of for both the service personnel and their families. The event will be on Wednesday 29th June 2011 at 7:30 in Staple Hill Library.

Executive member for communities Cllr James Hunt said: “Armed Forces Day honours the contribution made by our armed forces, past and present and I am delighted that South Gloucestershire will be playing its part in this important event.

“This is an excellent opportunity for us all to show our support but also to have an enjoyable day out too.”

The bands joining the parade include The Band of the Prince of Wales Division and Bristol Pipes and Drums. The Royal British Legion Bikers will also be participating in the parade, which will pass through High Street and Broad Street before concluding in Page Park.

As part of the commemorations for Armed Forces Day, a flag raising ceremony was held at the council offices on Badminton Road in Yate on Monday (20th June). Representatives from the Women’s Royal Auxiliary Corp and Normandy Veterans were in attendance, and a piper from the Bristol Pipes and Drums played during the raising of the flag by the chair Cllr Hunt. There was also music provided by choir of St. Mary’s Primary School in Yate.

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