Armed Forces Week this year falls on week commencing Monday 19 June.
Horsham District Council and the Horsham branch of the Royal British Legion started the week of celebrations by raising the Armed Forces flag at the War Memorial in Horsham’s Carfax.
The flag raising ceremony was led by Horsham District Council Chairman Cllr David Skipp who also read a dedication.
Further celebrations throughout the week include:
On Saturday 24 June, the Royal British Legion Horsham Legionnaires band will play on the Carfax bandstand from 11am to 1pm.
On Armed Forces Sunday on 25 June the Horsham branch of the Royal British Legion are hosting an event featuring military displays and demonstratons, a marching band and drill displays by the Army Cadets in the Carfax and the Piries Place area of the town. The Carfax will have further military vehicles on display, plus various military, charity and veteran themed promotional stalls and musical performances.
The Free Electric band will perform on the Carfax bandstand, and in partnership with market operators Food Rocks, a selection of local food and drink stalls will be available.
A closing ceremony for the week of celebration will take place at the War Memorial from 2.45pm to 3pm. There will be a short ceremony as the Armed Forces flag is lowered by a member of the Royal British Legion, whilst Sunset is played by the Surrey and Sussex Drum and Bugle Corps band. Cllr Skipp will make a speech thanking our Armed Forces and veterans for their service.
Horsham District Council committed to the Armed Forces Community Covenant back in 2014. This is a voluntary statement of support between the Council and the local Armed Forces Community, including all those who are serving or have served in the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Merchant Navy.
Events are being across the country throughout the week.
Armed Forces Week is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.
More information is available on the Armed Forces Week website.