![Armed Forces Day flag raising 2022](/sites/default/files/styles/large_2x_660x371/public/2023-06/1_52166567632_o.jpg?itok=Gs6TUxpx)
Leicestershire County Council is showing its support for the armed forces community in the lead-up to national Armed Forces Day, which this year takes place on Saturday 24 June.
Armed Forces Day honours the huge contribution made by current and former members of the armed forces, their families, reservists and adult cadet volunteers, and is always well supported by the county council.
The council’s annual flag raising ceremony is being held at County Hall’s Stand Easy memorial at 10.30am on Monday 19 June. The ceremony will include a welcome by Leicestershire County Council Chairman, Dr Kevin Feltham, and an address by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE.
The Armed Forces Day flag will then be raised by RAF veteran Neale Millett, who is currently chair of the City of Leicester branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, which also serves RAF veterans throughout the county.
Guests will include current members of the armed forces, veterans, cadets and representatives from the Royal British Legion.
Pupils from the Hall Primary School in Glenfield will also be taking part in the flag raising event, with the reading of a poem.
The ceremony will conclude with prayers led by Reverend Christopher Johnson.
Following the ceremony, the Armed Forces Day flag will continue to fly at County Hall until after the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June, which will be marked by a parade through Leicester city centre, starting from the top of High Street near Jubilee Square at 12.15pm, followed by an open-air Drumhead Service in Green Dragon Square at 1pm.
The event will include the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders, the Salvation Army Band and the Cottesmore Military Wives Choir – culminating in a fly-past by a Lancaster bomber from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at 1.27pm.
The parade will be made up of around 250 local veterans, cadets and reservists and well as serving members of the Armed Forces. Two horses from the Remount Barracks and two dogs from the Defence Animal Training Regiment will also take part in the parade.
The event is open to all, and members of the public are very welcome to attend. More information on the parade and service is available on the Lieutenancy Office web page.
People are invited to share their experience of the event on social media, using the hashtag #LeicsAFD23
It is a great honour and privilege to be part of this national event to honour our armed forces and to show our appreciation for their vital service and dedication.
Armed Forces Day is a way for us to join with people across the country to show our support for those men and women who currently serve and to remember those who have served in the past.
Person:Councillor Pam Posnett, Armed Forces Champion
In celebration of Reserves Day on Wednesday 21 June, the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur OBE is inviting businesses to an event at County Hall from 5pm to 7.15pm, organised by the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.
Businesses will be able to hear from Reserves and learn how their organisation could benefit from sought-after skills acquired allowing their employees to become part of the armed forces community.
Mr Kapur will also encourage businesses to pledge their support for current and former Armed Forces personnel by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and applying to join the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. Leicestershire County Council will also be reaffirming its commitment to the armed forces community by resigning the Armed Forces Covenant at the event.
Reservists have a broad range of skills gained through their military training, which they can bring to their civilian jobs. Supporting reservists brings benefits to employers, the individuals concerned and wider society, and we would encourage businesses throughout Leicestershire to find out more about the benefits of encouraging reservists in their organisation.
Person:Mike Kapur OBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire
Leicestershire County Council holds the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold award for its support and advocacy for the armed forces community.
The prestigious award recognises employers which support defence personnel and encourage others to do the same.
To achieve gold, the council had to demonstrate that it provides 12 extra paid days leave for Reservists and has supportive HR policies in place for all members of the armed forces community, which includes veterans, Reservists, Cadet Force adult volunteers and spouses and partners of those serving in the armed forces.