High Sheriff raises the flag to mark Armed Forces Day, alongside dignitaries and RBL standard bearers

Central Bedfordshire Council held the ceremony on Monday, June 22 at the offices at Chicksands.

It was attended by the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, the Countess of Erroll, who raised the Armed Forces Day flag, and chairman of the council, Cllr David Bowater.

Other guests included leader of the council, Cllr James Jamieson, and Cllr Mark Versallion, executive member for education and skills, who is also the council’s Armed Forces community covenant champion.

Specially invited commanding officers and personnel from local armed forces, reserve and cadet forces and members of armed forces support organisations were also present at the event, along with 10 standard bearers from the Royal British Legion.

Councillor James Jamieson, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “It was a great honour to again hold this ceremony at the Central Bedfordshire Council offices and show our support for the tremendous work carried out by our armed forces and the voluntary organisations who look after serving and former armed forces personnel and their families.”

The Countess of Erroll said: “I was delighted to be invited to attend this special ceremony and raise the flag in support of our armed forces.”

Councillor Mark Versallion, who is also a naval officer in the reserves, said: “Armed Forces Day is a time to reflect on conflicts past and present, and honour the sacrifices made by those who serve or have served. This year in particular marks a number of important anniversaries, including the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, so it is more than ever a time of reflection and tribute.”

Armed Forces Day is on Saturday, June 27.