Date for Diaries: Armed Forces Week Commemorative Events

People are encouraged to attend this year’s Armed Forces Day Service, organised by Royal British Legion Hailsham & District branch to commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives in the armed forces and civilian members of Britain and the Commonwealth who also lost their lives.

The Town Mayor will join fellow councillors and representatives from the Armed Forces, their families, veterans and local organisations for a commemoration service to be held at the Hailsham War Memorial on Sunday 23rd June at 10.45am. Members of the public are strongly encouraged to attend the service and show their support those who sacrificed their lives during the two world wars and other conflicts.

The public is asked to assemble at the war memorial at around 10.30am on the day.

Prior to the Armed Forces Day Service, a special flag-raising ceremony will take place at the war memorial at 11am on Monday 17th June, an event being led by the Mayor of Hailsham to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

Town Mayor Councillor Paul Holbrook said, “I am looking forward to being part of both the flag-raising ceremony and the Royal British Legion Service events and remembering those who have given their service – and in many cases, their lives to our country. It will be a privilege to join with veterans and cadets from the Army and Royal Air Force and local people to show support for our Armed Forces and their families.”

“Be they veterans of past conflicts or servicemen and women currently on operations or preparing for an upcoming deployment, we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude and the two events being held will be fitting tributes to them.”

“Please join me and my colleagues if you are able to do so.”

Deputy Town Mayor and Vice-Chair of the Town Council’s Communities Committee, Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts commented: “Armed Forces Week is an opportunity and a time for us to reflect and remember the sacrifices made both in the past and in current conflicts and thank them.”

“It is important that as a community we continue to remember those who lost their lives for their country and Armed Forces Week, Armed Forces Day itself and other commemorative occasions throughout the year continue to be of great significance to the people of Hailsham, including the members and staff of the Town Council.”

“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to both events and pay their respects.”

For more information on the Armed Forces Week celebrations taking place around the country, and how you can take part, visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk.