The Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Pat Evans paid tribute to servicemen and women at an armed forces flag-raising ceremony at the Council Office in South Street on Monday (22 June).
The ceremony started with a minute’s silence in memory of those who died in the terrorism incident in Reading.
Although restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of coronavirus meant schools and community organisations could not attend this year’s flag-raising event, the Mayor raised the flag in the presence of a small gathering which included Colour Sergeant Si Gowing who represented the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.
Councillor Pat Evans says: “Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the men and woman who currently serve or those who have previously served their country. At this time, we also note the peacetime work and recognise the huge effort that has gone into supporting vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic such as delivering food parcels and building new hospitals.”
In 2010, the Mayor of Farnham, signed a Bond of Friendship with the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment – the Tigers. Along with the Waverley Mayor and the Mayors of Godalming and Haslemere Town Councils and the Chairman of Cranleigh Parish Council, Farnham Town Council wanted to formally ‘express gratitude for the bravery and dedication of the troops serving in recent conflicts and to affirm their continued support for the Regiment and their wish to develop ever-closer links between the whole Borough and the Regiment’.
Councillor Evans says: “Flying the flag during Armed Forces week is a symbol of our continuing friendship with the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment. We are very proud to have the Tigers (PWRR) Reservists based in Farnham. 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 are ready to serve.”
Although this year’s national event has been cancelled people can still show their appreciation for serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets by posting and sharing messages on social media using the hashtag SaluteOurForces.
Armed forces celebrations began on 22 June with flag raising ceremonies. This is followed by reserves day on Wednesday 24 June and Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June.
