Next week, servicemen and women will be celebrated for their outstanding contribution as the nation celebrates Armed Forces Week.
Service personnel have been invited to commemorate the Armed Forces throughout the ages; including troops and their families, veterans, reservists and young cadets. Events will be held across the country and here in Greater Manchester, with the aim to bring communities together in a show of support.
The dedicated day is set to boost morale among among serving soldiers and signals an appreciation for the work they do for the UK across the world. Taking place between 19 June and 25 June, Armed Forces Week 2023 will be marked here in Manchester with a number of events.
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To mark the beginning of the week, the Armed Forces flag will be raised on top of Central Library at 10:30am on Monday, June 19, and there will also be an Armed Forces family fun day towards the end of the week.
The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Yasmine Dar, will attend the opening ceremony and will be accompanied by representatives from each of the Armed Forces including Mr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Paul Marshall, the Armed Forces Champion for Manchester City Council’s Senior Management Team, Joe Larrigan, RBL County Chairman for Greater Manchester and a fanfare from the 103RA LAV Band.
On Armed Forces Day, Saturday 24 June, the council invites members of the public and families to come along for an afternoon of fun, enjoy activities and honour the members of the Armed Forces and veterans for their dedication and service. The Armed Forces family fun day in St Peter’s Square will run from 11am until 4pm, and will begin with a ceremonial march past through St Peter’s Square.
The event will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Yasmine Dar with Lisa Kit Yee Yam DL representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. The Lancashire Artillery Band will accompany the march past and continue to perform throughout the day.
Members of the public and families will then be invited to get involved and have some fun including face painting for young ones, a light gun on display, and information stalls supporting Armed Forces including the British Royal Legion and. Attendees will also be given the unique opportunity to get their hands on with current and historical military kit.
In addition to the family fun , there will be live performances for all to enjoy throughout the afternoon. The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band will be performing, as well as a selection of local singers.
This year, the council will also have a team present to promote its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. They will be on hand to guide armed forces personal and veterans on how to access services.
Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Yasmine Dar said: "Armed Forces Day is a very important day of national reflection. It is our chance to honour and remember the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, both past and present, and is an opportunity to remember those who have kept us safe.
“In addition to this, Armed Forces Day allows the city to come together and show veterans and members of the Armed Forces how grateful we are for their service, dedication and work to keep us all safe. I feel honoured to be leading the celebrations and hope people come down on the 24th to learn more about the Armed Forces.”
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