Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Salman Akbar, will raise the flag for our Armed Forces at a special service at Redditch Town Hall later this month.

The flag will be raised on Monday June 19 in the run up to and in honour of Armed Forces Day which takes place this year on Saturday June 24.

A short speech will be read, and then a special commemorative flag will fly all week as part of a national initiative raising awareness of the role of the Armed Forces and celebrating past, present and future generations of Armed Forces personnel.

Members of the 37 Signal Regiment will also join the Mayor during the ceremony, as well as other dignitaries and invited guests, which will take place from 10am sharp.

Cllr Akbar said: “By Flying the Flag in our community, we are showing our support for the men and women of our Armed Forces, who continue to rise to the very difficult challenge of maintaining the defence of the realm. We welcome anyone who would like to join us for this short service of thanks.”

Armed Forces Champion for Redditch, Cllr Alex Fogg, said: “As an ex Royal Engineer, it is a great privilege for me to represent other Ex forces personnel and their families living in the borough. This event is for all of us. It is a celebration of the dedication and adherence of all past, present, and future service men and women and their families, and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make on a daily basis, in the pursuit of protecting our country, citizens and way of life.”

Leader of the council, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “Flying the flag is just a small way we can show our gratitude for the continuing service of our brave armed forces men and women. Thank you.”

If any armed forces personnel, current or retired, or any family members want to discuss any concerns then they can reach Cllr Fogg via email: alex.fogg@redditchbc.gov.uk