ARMED Forces Week officially began in Bromsgrove today (Monday) with the annual flag raising at the war monument at Crown Close.
The short ceremony was officially opened by Town crier Kevin Ward.
He said: “We are here to demonstrate Bromsgrove’s continued support for the Armed Forces of this country who keep us safe.”
Bromsgrove District Council Chairman, Coun Sam Ammar, said: “We are raising this flag to show our support for the men and women who quite simply put their country before themselves.”
In a prayer, Rev Ray Khan, the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion chaplain, said: “Keep safe those who serve in our Armed Forces who risk their lives on land, in the sea and in the air.
“May the fruits of their courage and vigilance keep peace, prosperity and freedom from fear for all the people.”
The flag was then raised by Coun Ammar.
The ceremony was also attended by the Bromsgrove RBL standard bearer, representatives from the Bromsgrove Society and Court Leet and by the vice chairman of the district council Coun Bakul Kumar and the chairman of Alvechurch Parish Council, Coun Marc Worral.
Afterwards, Coun Ammar told the Standard: “There is a lot of dignity in services like this.”
She paid tribute to those serving who were often sent to hostile places so we could continue to enjoy the lives we do today.
Armed Forces Week runs until Saturday, June 24.
People, businesses and organisations can use the #SaluteOurForces hashtag on social media to salute those serving.
We screened the service live on our Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page click the link below to watch it.
