Armed Forces Flag Day raised - but without the usual ceremony

It is raised to show support for the men and women of the armed forces - from those who are currently serving to service families, veterans, reservists and adult cadet volunteers.

To comply with social distancing rules, the Mayor will be supported by his wife, the Mayoress, his chaplain, Father Adrian Ling, Gp Captain Beck from RAF Marham, and a representative from the Royal British Legion. Readings, poems and prayers will be said by those present.

The Mayor, Cllr Geoff Hipperson, said: "It is such a shame that we can't hold the usual ceremony this year and invite the usual guests, but we wanted to ensure that we still showed our support. We will be recording the ceremony to share on social media as well as taking some photos. I would urge people not to come to the ceremony but instead to show their support in other ways."

People are being encouraged to show their support in the following three ways:

1 - On Monday 22 June - Armed Forces Flag Day
Take a photo of yourself saluting the flag and share it on Linkedin, Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #SaluteOurForces.  Please avoid the ceremony time and ensure that you observe social distancing while in the Tower Gardens.

2 - On Wednesday 24 June - Reserves Day
Wear your uniform, medals, caps or regimental blazers, take photos and share on social media with the hashtag #ReservesDay

3 - On Saturday 27 June - Armed Forces Day
The national ceremony has been cancelled so to show support from home take a photo or video of yourself and your friends/colleagues saluting and share on social media with the hashtag #SaluteOurForces.

The Mayor added: "However you choose to show your support please observe social distancing guidelines to ensure your keep yourselves safe and our veterans and service personnel safe."

The video and photos will be available on the council's social media channels as soon after the flag raising event as possible.