The Deputy Mayor Cllr Margaret Court raised the specially commissioned flag to mark British Armed Forces Day in a ceremony at Trinity Square in Sutton High Street. Members of the Royal British Legion and military cadets were also in attendance.
Armed Forces Day flags will also be flown where British servicemen and women are serving overseas, including Afghanistan, Cyprus, Germany, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands.
The day is an annual opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. The title ‘Armed Forces Day’ has been chosen to reflect the wider Armed Forces family of serving personnel – both regular and reserve, as well as our veterans, cadet forces and the service families.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Margaret Court said at the ceremony:
“This is a symbol of the support we feel towards our brave warriors – the men and women that are our sailors, soldiers and airmen.
Your support for the Armed Forces provides a much valued morale boost for our troops and their families. The UK Armed forces magnificently defend the UK and its interests. They put themselves in harms way to protect our way of life and defend our nation’s interest.
Our Armed Forces are busy working around the world, promoting peace, delivering aid, tackling drug smugglers, providing security and fighting terrorism. They work in difficult, dangerous and unpleasant conditions away from their families and the luxuries we all take for granted. They operate in environments where the very basics of security and safety are absent. This is a vital and daunting challenge.
As we all know, the main current UK military effort is in Afghanistan where UK forces are operating successfully, with other countries, to provide a more stable and secure country to help ensure a safer Britain and a safer world.”
Sutton Council Leader Ruth Dombey said:
“Armed Forces Day is a fitting mark of respect to our brave servicemen and women who proudly serve our country. This year’s event is even more poignant as we mark the 100th anniversary of World War One.”