Cumbria County Council are commemorating the armed forces by flying the flag to mark a celebration day recognising the contribution Britain’s military makes to national life.

Wednesday June 23 is Reserves Day and Saturday June 26 is Armed Forces Day.

The council will be showing their support by hoisting the event’s flag on its flag poles at County Hall in Kendal and Cumbria House in Carlisle.

Councillor Tony Markley, Chairman of Cumbria County Council said:

“It gives me a great deal of pleasure as Chairman of Cumbria County Council to show our support for Armed Forces Day.

"Armed Forces Day is a great way to show our support for the servicemen and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets."

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that, should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets.

As well as marking the contribution of service personnel past and present, Armed Forces Day and Reserves Day is also aimed at raising public awareness of the military and the roles they undertake in Britain and around the world.

Cllr Tony Markley, added: "It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole nation to show its support and appreciation for the contribution made by all those who have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces at home and abroad, safeguarding the nation’s interests."

Last year, the Ministry of Defence and North West Reserve and Forces Association (RFCA) awarded the council with Gold employer status for the Employer Recognition Scheme which recognises organisations who pledge, demonstrate, and advocate their support for the Defence community.

The council provides leadership and advocacy for the armed forces community in the county, manages the Armed Forces Covenant Partnership, and leads on a programme of targeted advocacy with identified employers in the county, which employ at least one reservist but who have not signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Cllr Tony Markley, concluded on behalf of the council: "Cumbria County Council is proud of its strong links with the forces and we’ll be flying the flag to show our appreciation for all that they do.”