Leeds set to celebrate Armed Forces Day in the living room

The event is usually marked by hundreds of events across the UK but, due to Covid-19, these events have been cancelled so people are now being encouraged to celebrate from their own homes.

During this week of June 21-27, Leeds will be honouring the role of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, reservists, veterans and cadets, while also thanking them for their support in helping with the ongoing Covid-19 effort.

Despite not being able to hold the flag raising ceremony this year, the Armed Forces Day flag will still be flying from 20-27 June from the Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall, while council buildings will be lit in red, white and blue during the week.

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Eileen Taylor said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be hosting the city’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. Unfortunately we cannot hold the usual flag raising ceremony or the parade this year but we can still come together at home to acknowledge and show our thanks for the armed forces.

“As a city, we are extremely proud of our long and distinguished military history and of our current armed forces personnel who work in various deployments at home and abroad – addressing emergencies, providing security and supporting numerous initiatives in dangerous situations, with great dedication and professionalism. I would like to thank them all and especially for their contribution with the ongoing pandemic”

Cllr Jane Dowson, Leeds Armed Forces Champion said: “Leeds Armed Forces Day is a chance for us all to say a big thank you to our service men and women. I think everyone will want to join with me in thanking Armed Forces personnel for all the work they are doing currently to help during the current Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to offer a big thank you to everyone taking part and I will be saluting them all on Saturday. I hope you will join me.

“I hope you will tune in to Chapel FM – 94.6FM on Saturday 27th June from 10am–4pm for a dedicated day of activities including pre-recorded interviews, phone in’s and dedications throughout the day.”

For resources and ideas on how to get involved, you can go to: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/