Armed Forces Day in the Wychavon area was marked with a moving flag‑raising ceremony at the Civic Centre in Pershore on Monday ahead of the national commemoration this Saturday (June 27).
The event led by the chairman of the council, Coun Gregory Wilkins, brought together representatives from the Armed Forces community, local organisations, councillors and staff.
He welcomed guests before the parade made its way to the flagpole accompanied by standards from the Royal British Legion and local service associations.
Rev Laura Handy, Lt Col (Rtd) Mark Jackson OBE, Coun Gregory Wilkins, Mick Leeming. Mr Nicholas Wentworth‑Stanley DL, name unknown, name unknown, Simon Dudfield and Stephen Lane. s
In his address, Coun Wilkins paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.
“Today is about honouring those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them.
“Their dedication, whether on operations overseas or here at home, keeps us safe and strengthens our communities. As we raise the flag, we do so with deep gratitude for all they give,” he said.
Reverend Laura Handy, the chairman’s chaplain, led prayers before the Royal British Legion delivered the traditional Binyon Lines.
A two‑minute silence was observed, marked by The Last Post and Reveille performed by bugler Stephen Lane.
The Kohima Epitaph was then read, followed by a declaration from Mr Nicholas Wentworth‑Stanley, Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire, speaking on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant.
Coun Wilkins concluded the ceremony by raising the Armed Forces Day flag, which will fly above the Civic Centre throughout the week as a visible sign of Wychavon’s support for the Armed Forces community.
Wychavon District Council is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, working with partners across Worcestershire to ensure serving personnel, veterans and their families are treated fairly and supported within the community.
