Armed Forces Day Flag flies over Scarborough beginning ‘a week to remember’

The National Armed Forces Day Flag has been raised over Scarborough Town Hall in North Yorkshire, setting the scene for a week of celebrations for the UK’s Forces across the entire country.

Chosen as the venue for the National Event, Scarborough was treated to a spectacular delivery of the Armed Forces Day Flag by the Royal Navy, who brought the Flag into the town’s South Bay onboard minehunter HMS Brocklesby.
 
From there Royal Navy Clearance Divers – mine and bomb disposal experts – swam ashore to deliver the Flag to local Sea Cadets on the beach. It was then relayed up several steep inclines in St Nicholas Gardens, before being handed over to veterans and council officials, who finally hoisted the Flag high above the town hall.
 
Accepting the standard from the Royal Navy on behalf of townsfolk was Mayor of Scarborough, Councillor Eric Broadbent, and representatives from the Borough Council as well as senior military personnel from all three Services.
 
At the same time the Army raised the Armed Forces Flag in Whitby and the Royal Air Force in Filey. Immediately after the Flags were unfurled at all three locations a Hawk jet from 11 QEAF Squadron from RAF Leeming flew overhead.
 

“It is always an honour and privilege to pay tribute to the Armed Forces community at the start of Armed Forces Day week and this year will be particularly special as we make our final preparations to host the prestigious national event,” said Councillor Broadbent.
 
“The flag raising ceremonies are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the work and dedication of everyone who serves and has served in the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, but also remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in past conflicts.
 
“I invite people of all generations to attend the ceremonies in Filey, Scarborough and Whitby to show their support and appreciation.”
 
Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander for Northern England and the Joint Military Commander for the event, said:
 
“This is a very proud moment for the people of Scarborough and myself as a proud Yorkshireman, to see the Armed Forces Day National Event in the Town and wider Borough. We have all worked hard to prepare for this week and it is set to be one we shall all remember for a very long time to come.”