Role of the armed forces marked by the county council with annual event

An annual event to celebrate the role of the military took place in Oxford today (20 June) looking ahead to national Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 25 June

Armed Forces Day is a chance for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support for the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets.

The armed forces flag is being raised on buildings and landmarks around the country. Oxfordshire County Council’s flag raising event was overseen by the Chair of the council, Councillor Susanna Pressel, in the yard in front of Oxford Castle.

The event involved a small parade by representatives of the armed forces community in Oxfordshire and a ceremony to raise the council’s armed forces flag. Senior military representatives from Oxfordshire attended, as did the High Sherriff and Lord Lieutenant.

The event was larger than had been possible in the previous two years, when the council’s observation of COVID-19 restrictions dictated a very small number of attendees.

As signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly – Oxfordshire County Council is proud of its strong and supportive relationship with the local armed forces community.

Councillor Pressel said: “This ceremony has taken place all over the country, but it has particular resonance in Oxfordshire, given that the military presence here is both strong and welcome. It was also wonderful to see this event return to its former glory with a full list of attendees, after the truncated ceremonies in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

“Our commitment to supporting and working with our armed forces in the county remains as strong as ever. We are grateful for their hard work and professionalism and the value they add to communities, perhaps especially during the pandemic. It was a great pleasure to meet representatives from the armed forces and reflect the goodwill that Oxfordshire people have for them and their families.”

More information on work the council does to support the forces is available on the website https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/armed-forces-oxfordshire

Meanwhile more information is available about Armed Forces Day on the national website https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/ .