Photos from a moving ceremony held in Lutterworth to commemorate the nation’s annual Armed Forces Day

Mike Veasey plays the last post during the Armed Forces Day in Lutterworth Memorial Gardens.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Mike Veasey plays the last post during the Armed Forces Day in Lutterworth Memorial Gardens. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

A poignant ceremony was held in Lutterworth on Saturday (June 27) to commemorate the nation’s annual Armed Forces Day.

The powerful 20-minute event went ahead during a fierce rainstorm in the town’s historic Memorial Gardens in the town centre.

Mike Perks, 71, chairman of the Lutterworth branch of the Royal British Legion, (RBL), said: “It was very successful and there was a good turn-out despite the terrible downpour.

Armed Forces Day in the Lutterworth Memorial Gardens.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Armed Forces Day in the Lutterworth Memorial Gardens. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“We have a branch of the RBL and an armed forces and veterans’ breakfast club here in Lutterworth.

“So we combined forces to gather together for this moving act of remembrance on Armed Forces Day on Saturday.”

He said poems were read out by veterans representing the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

The Last Post and reveille were played, a minute’s silence was held and the iconic Kohima Prayer read out:

Readings during the Armed Forces Day in Lutterworth.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Readings during the Armed Forces Day in Lutterworth. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say,

For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.”

“The Lutterworth mayor, Cllr Rob Coleman, and his consort attended to give us their support on this very special, highly symbolic day,” said Mike, who served in the RAF for 18 years.

“Quite a few townspeople also came along to pay their respects and pay their own tributes.

Mike Perks chairman of Lutterworth Royal British Legion during the Armed Forces Day in the memorial gardens.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Mike Perks chairman of Lutterworth Royal British Legion during the Armed Forces Day in the memorial gardens. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“It’s as important as ever that we remember and honour all those brave men and women who served and fought and often laid down their lives for our country in the two world wars as well as all our other conflicts.

“I would like to think that the people and ex-servicemen and women of Lutterworth did all of our heroes proud in the pouring rain on Saturday.”