THERE was a small gathering at Bromsgrove’s war monument at Crown Close this morning (Monday) as Bromsgrove District Council Chairman, Coun Helen Jones, raised the flag for Armed Forces Day.
Among those gathered were councillors, those currently serving and veterans.
After the flag was raised, there was a two-minute silence.
Coun Helen Jones told The Standard: “It’s always nice to pause and pay tribute to the amazing service given by our Armed Forces on a daily basis.
“We hope the raising of the flag this week will show how those serving how grateful we are for what they do.”
Alan Kelly, from the Royal British Legion, added: “I think it is important we remember our Armed Forces, both current and past.
“We obviously remember all those who have given their lives on Remembrance Sunday each year but Armed Forces Day in June ensures it is kept in the mind of the public all year round.”
One man among those gathered was 100-year-old Second World War veteran Thomas Coulter who served in the 8th Belfast Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment.
He said: “I always attend these events because it is important to keep remembering all our friends and comrades who have died and those who are serving now.
“It’s the right thing to do,” he added.
The flag will fly all week ahead of Armed Forces Day, which falls on Saturday June 24 this year.
