Flag Flying Event To Mark Armed Forces Day in Badenoch and Strathspey

The MOD is encouraging councils, businesses and homes across Scotland to show their support for our Armed Forces by flying a special flag celebrating Armed Forces Day.

A ceremony will take place in Badenoch and Strathspey on Monday 22 June at Gynack Memorial Gardens in Kingussie at 10.15am when the special Armed Forces Flag will be blessed and then raised by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant Fergus Laing. 

The event is to mark the build up to the first ever national Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June 2009. This new event will take place every year to celebrate the UK’s Armed Forces past, present and future, and is an opportunity for the nation to show support for the men and woman who make up the armed forces community: from currently serving troops to Service Families, and from veterans to recruits.

The Highland Council has pledged to raise the Armed Forces Flag in communities across the Highlands in honour of our Armed Forces.

Councillor Gregor Rimell said:  “This is a significant new annual opportunity to show our respect for those serving in the forces and we are delighted to welcome the Deputy Lord Lieutenant to lead the ceremony.  There is a lot of local community support for the event. Many people of all ages and backgrounds will gather in the memorial gardens and join the march past by serving personnel, followed by light refreshments at the Duke of Gordon Hotel. Everyone who shares our appreciation of the armed forces is invited to join us.”
 
Veterans Minister Kevan Jones said: “Our Forces make huge personal sacrifices to defend the UK and their efforts deserve support and recognition. It would be very special for them to see homes, businesses and councils across the country showing their support by flying the flag on Armed Forces Day. The purpose of Armed Forces Day is to celebrate what our veterans have already achieved, what our current personnel continue to achieve, and the opportunities the Armed Forces offer our future generations. The Armed Forces Day Flag sends out a clear message that will be appreciated by all our service personnel, past present and future.”

All members of the community; schools, businesses, residents and visitors are invited to assemble in the Gynack Memorial Garden at 10.15am, Refreshments will be available after the ceremony at the Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie.