The start of Armed Forces Week on the Isle of Wight was marked with a civic flag-raising ceremony at County Hall in Newport.
Civic leaders, members of the armed forces community and representatives from local organisations gathered for the annual event to recognise the contribution of service personnel past and present.
The Armed Forces flag was raised outside County Hall following a short service, honouring the service and sacrifice of military personnel while reaffirming the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Among those attending were Deputy Lieutenant Mr Nicholas Oulton, representing the Lord-Lieutenant, and the High Sheriff of the Isle of Wight, Mr Nigel Hartley.
They were joined by Deputy Youth MP Arthur Wrigley, Rev Chris Bradish of Newport Minster, the council’s chief executive Wendy Perera, and Darren Donkersley, a REME veteran and Isle of Wight Council employee, who carried out the flag-raising.
Representatives from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, the ambulance service and the Royal British Legion were also present, alongside councillors and council officers.
Councillor Ian Dore, the council’s chair and Armed Forces Champion, said:
“The annual civic flag-raising ceremony is an important event in the civic calendar as we come together to recognise and thank the men and women who serve our country, both at home and overseas.
“Every year, we join other councils all across the country, doing exactly the same. It’s a national moment of thanks.
“The council is also proud to play its part by reaffirming reaffirming our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, as well as taking part in the National Armed Forces Covenant Conference, along with over 200 other delegates in Portsmouth last week.
“We remain fully committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community – including serving personnel, cadets, reservists, veterans and their families – are treated with fairness, respect and the support they deserve.”
