Mayor raises flag to mark Armed Forces Day

Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Adrian Mather raised the flag to commemorate Armed Forces Day, paying respect to servicemen and women, past and present.

The flag raising was conducted at the Wokingham Borough Council’s Shute End office on Friday 28 June, the day before Armed Forces Day.

Raising the flag is an annual, national event, which is observed by local authorities, government departments, businesses and Number 10 Downing Street, to show support and pay respect to the UK Armed Forces.

It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 24 June, when the public shows support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community.

Cllr Mather said: “As Borough Mayor, it was an honour to raise the flag and show support to our Armed Forces community for all they have done and all that they will do. We must remember the bravery shown by servicemen and women, especially those who have served their country and made the ultimate sacrifice.

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“On behalf of the borough, I would like to express my immense gratitude to all members of the Armed Forces community and their families and encourage all our residents to show their support and pride.”

Cllr Adrian Betteridge, the armed forces champion, added: “As a veteran, it is my privilege to be the armed forces champion for Wokingham Borough and to participate in the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag with the Borough Mayor.

“I joined the Army as a 21-year-old in Arborfield and – after serving around the world – retired to live here 20 years later. I know how highly regarded our armed forces are by people across the borough.

"Even though our largest garrison has now closed, we have many serving personnel, reservists, cadets and veterans living and working in the borough. Flying the flag makes clear the council’s commitment to their support and wellbeing and I am delighted that I can contribute to this.”