A CEREMONY to show support for the armed forces, past and present, is set to be held in Redditch.

The flag will be raised by mayor of Redditch, Cllr Salman Akbar, on Monday, June 19 in the run-up to and in honour of Armed Forces Day which takes place on Saturday, June 24.

A short speech will be read, and then a special commemorative flag will fly all week as part of a national initiative raising awareness of the role of the Armed Forces and celebrating past, present and future generations of Armed Forces personnel.

Cllr Akbar said: “By flying the flag in our community, we are showing our support for the men and women of our Armed Forces, who continue to rise to the very difficult challenge of maintaining the defence of the realm. We welcome anyone who would like to join us for this short service of thanks.”

Armed forces champion for Redditch, Cllr Alex Fogg, said: “As an ex royal engineer, it is a great privilege for me to represent other Ex forces personnel and their families living in the borough.

“This event is for all of us.

“It is a celebration of the dedication and adherence of all past, present, and future service men and women and their families, and the sacrifices they have made and continue to make on a daily basis, in the pursuit of protecting our country, citizens and way of life.”

Members of the 37 Signal Regiment will also join the mayor during the ceremony, as well as other dignitaries and invited guests, which will take place from 10am.

Leader of the council, Cllr Matt Dormer, said: “Flying the flag is just a small way we can show our gratitude for the continuing service of our brave armed forces men and women.