Today the Armed Forces day flag was raised at Croydon Town Hall. Some of Croydon's Conservative Councillors, including Group Leader Cllr Jason Perry, attended to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.
Armed Forces Day is held each year on the last Saturday of June. It is usually the culmination of a week long session of events designed to show the country's respect and appreciation for our Armed Forces. Events are, again, restricted this year due to the pandemic but Conservative Councillors were pleased to be able to mark the start of Armed Forces Week and show their support for our Armed Forces.
Of course, Armed Forces Week doesn't just recognise those currently serving in the Forces. Armed Forces Week marks our appreciation for all those in the Armed Forces - be they regular or reserves, Veterans, Cadets and importantly, the families of those who serve. As well as Armed Forces Day on Saturday 26th Jume, there is also Reservist's Day marked on Wednesday 23rd June.
Croydon has a high number of Reserve Forces units and Regular and Reserve personnel and we feel it is right to honour their commitment and contribution to our Nation.
Under the Conservatives, Croydon became the first London Borough to sign up to the Military Covenant in 2011 and the Borough Military Champion of 2011.
Former councillor Tony Pearson, himself ex-Army, says:
"Recognising the great, and often missed, work of our Armed Forces, both Regular and Reserve, is vitally important. We, rightly, recognise those who have lost their lives in service each year at Remembrance Day, and I truly believe that we should equally mark the commitment, and often unseen sacrifices, of those who serve today. As a Country we are lucky to have the Armed Forces we have and we should celebrate the great work they do, especially given the number that have been involved throughout the pandemic supporting our fantastic NHS."
