WOKINGHAM honoured to servicemen and women, past and present, by raising a flag on Armed Forces Day (June 24).

The raising of the flag is an annual, national event celebrated on the last Saturday in June, observed by local authorities, government departments, businesses and Number 10 Downing Street, to show support and pay respect to the UK Armed Forces.

Wokingham Borough’s new Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland has raised the flag at the council’s Shute End office to commemorate the day.  

Wokingham Borough Mayor, Cllr Beth Rowland, whose father and his two brothers served in the Royal Engineers in the Second World War, said: “By raising the flag, we are showing our support to our commendable Armed Forces community. We must also remember the brave people who served our country and sadly lost their lives to keep our communities safe.

“At the council, we are proud to fly the flag and show our support and gratitude to all. Thank you all for your commendable courage, service and dedication to protect and defend our country and its best interests.”

The event was also attended by the council’s new armed forces representative Cllr Peter Harper, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Cllr Clive Jones, Cllr Michael Firmager, Cllrs Caroline and Mike Smith, Cllr Phil Cunnington, Cllr Andy Croy and Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey and Angus Ross.

Armed forces champion Cllr Peter Harper, whose father served in the RAF and grandfather took part in the Gallipoli landings in the First World War, said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the council’s new Armed Forces Champion and to take part in this national flag raising event to remember and recognise the community of service men and women.

“We are proud to have around 1,000 serving Armed Forces personnel and veterans living in our borough and we will abide by the Armed Forces Covenant to treat them and their families fairly. The borough thanks you for your service and the sacrifices you have made.”