South Northamptonshire Council: Flying the Flag for the Armed Forces
June23
As part of the build-up, the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised at South Northamptonshire Council’s offices in Towcester on Monday 21 June.
Local British Legion standard bearers and the Towcester Air Cadets contingent took part in the ceremony, which was attended by members of the public as well as Councillors and Officers of South Northamptonshire Council. Music was provided by Sponne School Brass Band.
The ceremony started with the singing of the National Anthem. Reverend Tony Bryer, Chaplain to South Northamptonshire Council, then read prayers. This was followed by an address by Chairman of South Northamptonshire Council, Councillor Dermot Bambridge. In his speech he referred to the sacrifices made by the people of South Northamptonshire and related this to Silverstone, the ward that he represents. He talked about the men whose names appear on the Silverstone War Memorial and in particular those from Cattle End. This settlement is part of Silverstone and is a lane about 400 yards long. During the First World War, seven boys from Cattle End died including three brothers.
“This truly brings home what the sacrifice really means,” said Councillor Bambridge, “Yet today we have young men and women who daily face no lesser dangers than those did who lined up in South Northamptonshire 90 odd years ago to take the King’s shilling and do their duty. This flag is a reminder to all of us just what our armed forces have done for this country in the past and what they continue to do today and in the future.”
Hymns were then sung and the event concluded with a citation given by Councillor Tony Wilkinson, who conducted the parade. On Saturday 26 June, the flag will be lowered and presented to Councillor John Kilmister, a former member of the Armed forces. John will receive the flag on behalf of all those who are currently serving our country and those who have done so in the past.