STOCKTON-on-Tees Borough Council is holding a series of special events to mark this year’s Armed Forces Week.
The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, will open the celebrations on Monday 20 June with a short flag raising ceremony outside Stockton Town Hall to mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week nationally.
Join the Mayor as he meets members of the Armed Forces, the British Legion and both serving and retired servicemen and women for the ceremony. Veterans will parade their regimental standards and Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) John Heron TD from the Durham Light Infantry Association will make a speech. Members of the public are welcome to come along to watch the ceremony which starts at 10.15am.
Thursday 30 June is the Borough’s official Armed Forces Day and Stockton High Street will be awash with military vehicles, equipment, displays and information stands about the Army, Navy and Air Force. Come along to browse the stalls from 10am to 3.30pm and find out more about the past, present and future of the Armed Forces.
At 11.45am the Mayor’s Chaplain will lead an open air service of thanks for the Armed Forces in the area in front of the Rediscover Shop. Throughout the day popular war time songs will be performed to transport visitors to a bygone era and there will be performances from primary school choirs as well as displays commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.
The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “In Stockton Borough we are very proud of both our troops and veterans. Events like these provide a wonderful opportunity to show our thanks and remember those who have given their service, and in many cases, their lives to our country.”
For more information visit www.stockton.gov.uk/events