PREPARATIONS are underway for an event to commemorate Armed Forces Day, a national celebration of the UK's armed forces - past, present and future.

It will be held in Carlisle’s city centre pedestrianised area on Saturday, June 25.

Organised by Carlisle City Council, it will be held between 10am and 4pm. Organisations represented will include:

  • the Cumbria Museum of Military Life
  • the Military Vehicle Trust
  • Devil’s Porridge Museum
  • Forces Link
  • SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, is a UK charity that provides lifelong support to serving men and women and veterans from the British Armed Forces and their families or dependents)
  • Army Reserve
  • the Royal British Legion

The Armed Forces Day programme will also include live music provided by the Border Concert Band and a drill competition between the Army and the Air Cadets.

The Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson will also present a Citation of Appreciation to the Armed Forces, at 3.30pm, which will be received by Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Cllr Elizabeth Mallinson, Carlisle City Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “The event is an opportunity to show appreciation of the past achievements of our Armed Forces veterans, the ongoing work of today’s Armed Forces in maintaining the peace that we enjoy and the opportunities the Armed Forces offer our future generations.”

An Armed Forces flag is now being flown from the Old Town Hall. It was raised yesterday (Monday, June 20) with the Deputy Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Colin Glover in attendance.

The Deputy Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Colin Glover, said: “Our commemorations this year take on a special resonance, as we mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

"Our armed forces have played a significant role in the celebrations, highlighting their continued service to our Queen and to the nation.

“The City of Carlisle has a long and proud association with the armed forces.

"There are those who have left their home city to serve around the United Kingdom and overseas and there are those who have come to the city to serve.

“We place on record our thanks to all those who serve now and to veterans who have served in the past.

"To the cadet forces and those who willingly give their time to teach them. We think of the Royal British Legion during the annual poppy appeal, but their dedication continues every day of the year as they provide much needed support to service personnel, past and present, and their families.

"We thank all those organisations who provide much needed support and finally a special thank you to the families who give support and encouragement to their loved ones and friends in the broader armed forces family.”

Armed Forces Week will conclude with the flag-lowering ceremony on Saturday 25 June at 3.30pm.

Attendees will include: the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, together with the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria or her representative; the President of the Royal British Legion (Carlisle & Stanwix Branch).

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