Rugby raises Armed Forces Day flag in tribute to military and civilians who lost their lives
The Armed forces Flag has been raised at Rugby Town Hall to mark the start of a week of thanks to the nation’s armed forces and their families.
A ceremony took place yesterday (June 22), following a one-minute silence in honour of serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists, cadets and their families.
The ceremony was attended by civic guests, with a welcome from Dan Green, Chief Executive of Rugby Borough Council, and an introduction from the Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Nooria Sayani.
Wayne Perry, chairman of Rugby No 1 Branch of the Royal British Legion, led the flag-raising ceremony.
Cllr Sayani said: “This event highlights a deeply rooted civic tradition designed to unite the community and express shared local pride.
"It is an act of continuity, preserving the customs that have shaped our Rugby's identity for decades.”
Cllr Louise Robinson, Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “Armed Forces Week gives us the opportunity to come together as a borough and show our gratitude to the men and women who serve, and have served, our country.
“We should never forget the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Raising the flag is a simple but important way for Rugby to show its respect, support and thanks.
“As a council, we are committed to supporting the Armed Forces community, not only during Armed Forces Week but throughout the year.”
Rugby Borough Council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which sets out a promise to make sure those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
The council has also received the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.
The Silver Award recognises employers which show practical support for the Armed Forces community. This includes making sure recruitment and employment policies do not disadvantage members of the Armed Forces community, and supporting reservists to balance their civilian work with military commitments.
The council’s commitment also includes promoting employment opportunities to people from the Armed Forces community, supporting cadets and taking part in activities to encourage recruitment, with the council recently attending a recruitment workshop at Bramcote Barracks, where it promoted Rugby Borough Council as an employer to cadets.
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Deputy Leader of Rugby Borough Council, said: “The Armed Forces Covenant is about making a real and practical difference.
“We want members of the Armed Forces community to know that Rugby Borough Council values their skills, experience and service. We are proud to support reservists, veterans, cadets and Armed Forces families, and we will continue to build on this work.”
Guests at the ceremony included councillors and former councillors, representatives from the Hillmorton and Rugby No 1 branches of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Salvation Army, Rugby Sea Cadets and Marines Cadets, Rugby St John’s Ambulance Cadets. Have you got a story or photograph for the Rugby Advertiser and Warwickshire World? We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] or submit your story at https://www.yourworld.net/