Annual flag raising to recognise armed forces is held

Deputy Borough Mayor, Cllr Melanie De Jong, has raised the flag in support of Armed Forces Day.

The flag was raised at the council’s Shute End offices on Tuesday 23 June, ahead of Armed Forces Day, which this year falls on Saturday 27 June.

It is a chance to show support for the people who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel to service families, veterans and cadets.

Armed Forces Day marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, starting on Monday 22 June, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community. It also includes Reserves Day (24 June), which gives the country an opportunity to recognise the reserve forces.

Cllr De Jong said: “It is a great honour to raise the flag and represent the borough on this significant occasion. We have many serving personnel, reservists, cadets and veterans living and working in the borough.

“The sacrifices they make should never be underestimated, along with those made by their families. It is also important to honour veterans and those who are no longer with us, with some having made the ultimate sacrifice.

“On behalf of the council and the borough as a whole, we are hugely grateful for their service and raising the flag is our way of showing support for their dedication.”

Armed Forces Day was founded as Veterans’ Day in 2006 before being renamed in 2009. 

Also in attendance at the flag raising was the council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Chris Johnson, former Armed Forces Champion Cllr Adrian Betteridge and Honorary Alderman Angus Ross.

Cllr Johnson said: "Since the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, UK military forces have had personnel actively engaged in either armed conflict, counter-insurgency operations, or international peacekeeping duties every single year without exception, into 2026.

Cllr Adrian Betteridge (left) and Cllr Chris Johnson, the former and current Armed Forces Champions for the council

“My own 25 years of service included the Falkland Islands conflict. It is an honour to be the council’s Armed Forces Champion and to attend the raising of the flag to recognise Armed Forces Day, for veterans and serving personnel." 

On Saturday 27 June, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band will give their annual performance in Peach Place from 11am to 12 noon.