Veterans and local dignitaries will gather in St Thomas’ Square in Newport at 11:00 this morning (Monday) for the annual Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony.
The ceremony is an opportunity for representatives of the armed forces, community leaders and members of the public to show their support for the military community, both serving and retired.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major General Martin White will be present, along with Councillor Charles Chapman, chairman of the Isle of Wight Council.
After the flag raising ceremony, Councillor Ian Ward, the chair of the Isle of Wight Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership Board, will present a £7000 to Independent Arts, a local organisation which will help armed forces veterans share their stories by visiting local schools to meet pupils. The grant has been made by the Ministry of Defence.
