NEW FOREST TODAY NEWS

Forest flies the flag for Armed Forces

Showing their support

The Armed Forces flag was raised across the New Forest as New Forest District Council paid tribute to HM Armed Forces - past, present and future - in honour of Armed Forces Day, Saturday 25 June.

Desmond Swayne MP, a serving major in the Territorial Army, joined council leader, Cllr Barry Rickman; chairman, Cllr John Penwarden and county president of the Hampshire Royal British Legion, Roy Farmers, in raising the flag at the council's headquarters of Appletree Court, Lyndhurst, and commended the council for its support of our Armed Forces. The flag was also raised at Lymington Town Hall and the council's public offices in Ringwood.

Councillor Rickman said: "This day gives us the opportunity to show our support for the regulars, reservists, retired officers and their families, who bear so much on our behalf and who have more than earned our gratitude.

"I hope that communities across the New Forest will get involved - from flying a flag to attending one of the official Armed Forces Day events being organised around the country."

The Royal British Legion is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and is aiming to raise £90 million. "The Royal British Legion puts out £1.2 million a week to support our ex-servicemen and women, and their families, and with the support of the community we hope to ensure that our work is just as relevant to our Armed Forces community today as it was 90 years ago and that it will be for the next 90 years," said Mr Farmers.

The 2011 Armed Forces Day will hold its main event in Edinburgh, but many local celebrations are planned in the south. In Fawley for instance, Fawley Parish Council is organising an event from 10am to 10pm including a fundraising Zumbathon at Gang Warily sports centre.

To find out more about Armed Forces Day 2011, the events and how you can honour those who make such an outstanding contribution to our country, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk