Dignitaries, veterans and current Armed Forces personnel gathered outside County Hall a flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day. Among those pictured are His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP,  the newly elected Chairman of the County Council, CC Lee Hutchinson, Leader of the County Council CC Stephen Atkinson, the County Council's Armed Forces and Veterans Champion CC Gary Kniveton, Father David Craven, WWII veterans Richard Brock and Marjorie Hanson, the Lord Lieutenant Cadets, representatives from the Royal British Legion, Armed Forces Group, soldiers from Fulwood Barracks, senior council staff and county councillors. cropped

Flying the Flag for Armed Forces Week

Lancashire County Council and other local authorities across the county have raised a special Armed Forces Day flag today on Monday 22 June.

The flag shows their support and appreciation for the contribution made by our servicemen and women past and present, and for the wider Armed Forces community of families, veterans and cadets.

The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag marks the start of a week of celebrations including the Annual Reserves Day on Wednesday 24 June, culminating with Armed Forces Day itself on Saturday 27 June.

 

 Marjorie Hanson, a Lancashire-based World War II veteran, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), was among veterans who attended the flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day at County Hall. Also attending was Richard Brock, 102, who served with the 1st Battalion, East Lancashire Regiment during World War II.

Marjorie Hanson, a Lancashire-based World War II veteran, who served in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), was among veterans who attended the flag raising ceremony

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Mrs Amanda Parker JP, said:

 “Once again, Armed Forces Day flags are being raised across Lancashire in tribute to the immense debt of gratitude we owe to our serving personnel and veterans.

 "We honour the courage, commitment and professionalism of all those who serve, past and present, and recognise the vital contribution they make to our country and communities.

"We remain deeply grateful to these remarkable individuals and are proud to recognise their dedication and service.”

Mrs Parker attended a small ceremony at County Hall in Preston along with the newly elected Chairman of the County Council, Lee Hutchinson.  They were also joined by the County Council's Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, Gary Kniveton, Father David Craven, as well as representatives from the Royal British Legion, Armed Forces Group, soldiers from Fulwood Barracks, senior council staff and county councillors.

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Cadets attended the flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day at County Hall.

His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Cadets at the flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day 

Other Flag raising events have taken place on the same day in each Lancashire district, organised by district councils and attended by a member of the Lancashire Lieutenancy. 

For details about Armed Forces Day visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk

Notes to editors

**Issued on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant's office**