Flag Raising Ceremony 2024
FLAG RAISING CEREMONY – AS PART OF ARMED FORCES WEEK
The Deputy Town Mayor, Councillor Lynn Malikoff-Johnston, started the flag raising ceremony held in the event space at the Forest Community Centre on Monday 24th June 2024. The event was held to mark the start of Armed Forces week, with Armed Forces Day being Saturday 29th June 2022.
The Town Crier, Stuart Morrison, introduced the Deputy Town Mayor who gave a welcoming speech in which she paid tribute to the Corps of the REME for the important role that they have played in our town for over a century.
Major Trevor Issac, 4th Battalion of REME, spoke of the importance that the town holds for REME and Father John Chandler, Sacred Heart Church spoke about the connections between the town and its rich military history.
The Union Flag was raised by Lt Col (Retd) John Cosh on behalf of the RBL & REME Association and a 1-minute silence followed and to close the ceremony, our Town Crier gave 3 cheers for our Armed Forces and thanked everyone for their continued support for our Armed Forces.
Cllr Malikoff-Johnston was joined by Veterans, residents, representatives from local community groups, including the Royal British Legion and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Association. Also in attendance was the Chairman of East Hampshire District Council, Cllr Catherine Clark.
Mary O’Brien, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey South Thames, said: “Our Armed Forces continue to play a vital role for the United Kingdom, both at home and abroad. It’s so important that we continue to show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice they give to our country, and events such as the Whitehill and Bordon Armed Forces Day help us do this. We’re pleased to have been given the opportunity to support the event, and hope the funding we’ve provided has helped to make the day’s celebrations that extra bit special.”
