Suffolk County Council marks start of Armed Forces Week

Suffolk County Council has pledged its backing for Armed Forces Week and renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mr Mark Pendlington, joined Council leader Councillor Michael Hadwen, Suffolk Armed Forces Commissioner Andrew Smith, plus other councillors and staff in showing support for the week of events that start today.

Also attending were representatives from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and soldiers from Ipswich-based 202 Squadron, 158 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps.

Mr Pendlington said: “Armed Forces Week is an important time of the year.

“It is where we celebrate and support the incredible sacrifice and hard work of the Armed Forces network and I am honoured and delighted to lend my support.”

Councillor Hadwen said: “I am very proud to be here to mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

It is a week where we renew our commitment to supporting and working with serving and past personnel, and where Suffolk County Council comes together to uphold its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.”

Councillor Tristan Gale, Suffolk County Council Armed Forces Champion, said: “Armed Forces Week is our chance as a council and a community to express our support for the services and the Covenant.

“It is also to raise awareness of the role of the military and bring communities together to support service members and their families.”

Armed Forces Week runs from 22nd June - 28th June with events taking place across the UK, culminating with Armed Forces Day on Saturday June 27.

The event is rotated annually around the county.

This year it is hosted by Mid Suffolk District Council and will take place at Stowmarket Recreation Ground, off Finborough Road, from 11am-3pm.

The event is free and family‑friendly, with military displays, live entertainment throughout the day, including performances from the RAF Honington Band, Armed Forces Wives Choir and The Vibettes, plus a range of stalls and activities.

Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

This is a national scheme where organisations pledge to:

• Recognise the unique obligations of, and sacrifices made by, the UK Armed Forces;
• Work to remove disadvantages arising for service people from membership, or former membership, of the UK Armed Forces
• Recognise that special provision for Service People may be justified by the effect on such people of membership, or former membership, of the UK Armed Forces

For more details go to the Suffolk County Council website.