City Centre planned to commemorate national celebration

(Date of issue: Monday, 15 June 2009)

An event to commemorate Armed Forces Day, a national celebration of the UK's Armed Forces - past, present and future - will be held in Carlisle’s city centre on Saturday, 27 June.

Organised by the Royal British Legion, with support from Carlisle City Council, it will be held from 10am onwards in the city’s pedestrianised shopping area.

Gurka Welfare Trust, Help for Heroes, Combat Stress and SSAFA will all have stalls and the Royal British Legion will be fundraising on their behalf. Displays will largely feature military vehicles, with support from the Air Cadets provided on the day.

Royal British Legion, Army, Royal Navy and RAF – will all be attending the event to encourage recruitment. This will include asking local residents to volunteer to be Poppy sellers in the run up to Armistice (Remembrance) Day on November 11. A coffee morning will also be held at the Old Town Hall.

An Organ Recital of military music will be held at Carlisle Cathedral between 3pm and 4pm. A Quarter Peal, a special bell ringing sequence, will also be rung at Carlisle Cathedral on Sunday, 28 June at 2pm. Local churches are being invited to ring their bells at the same time, in joint commemoration.

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones, said:

“Our Armed Forces make huge personal sacrifices to defend the UK and their efforts deserve support and recognition. It would be a very special for them to see homes, businesses and councils across the country showing their support by flying the flag on Armed Forces Day.

“The purpose of Armed Forces Day is to celebrate what our veterans have already achieved, what our current personnel continue to achieve, and the opportunities the Armed Forces offer our future generations. The Armed Forces Day Flag sends out a clear message that will be appreciated by all our service personnel, past, present and future.”

In addition to holding events, the MOD is also encouraging councils, businesses and homes across the country to show their support for our Armed Forces by flying a special flag celebrating Armed Forces Day.

Carlisle’s Flag will be flown outside the Old Town Hall from 10.30am on Monday, 22 June until 3pm on Saturday, 27 June.

A short ceremony will be held to mark the flag being put in place. This will include representatives from the Armed Forces, local Veterans, Clergy, the Mayor of Carlisle, Cllr William Graham and other representatives from the City Council.