Armed Forces Week Flag Raising Ceremony

To mark the beginning of Armed Forces Week, the Mayor of Preston joined veterans for the Flag Raising Ceremony at the Cenotaph. The sun shone and there was an address by Colonel (Retd) David Waters to the veterans and public that had gathered. 

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Phil Crowe, the Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire, the Chief Executive of Preston City Council, Adrian Phillips, and members of the forces, past and present.   

In his address, Colonel (Retd) David Waters said:

"Armed Forces Week is an opportunity for the nation to show its admiration and respect for all three of the armed services; the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. It will also provide the means for us to express a deep appreciation of the sacrifices made by so many in the defence of our country including our current servicemen and women, many of whom are engaged in training and operating abroad in support of the Ukrainian armed forces." 

Colonel Waters went onto express his gratitude for the support of Preston City Council:

"There could be no greater affirmation of all parties to the Military Covenant and to the giving and receiving of mutual support between each other than the way we have worked together in partnership for this city. On behalf of Preston's proud veterans, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the office of the Mayor, and the Chief Executive and his staff for the support they continue to give our Armed Forces, Regular and Reserve and of course the Veterans." 

Addressing the closure of Fulwood Barracks, Colonel Waters said:

"However, we now face an uncertain future. We need to redouble our efforts as we face the run-down and closure of Fulwood Barracks and seek an alternative location for the Military Museum. We owe it to future generations to preserve our proud military heritage for families on both sides of the Ribble." 

On reflection of this morning's flag raising ceremony, the Mayor, Councillor Phil Crowe said:

"This morning we gathered at the cenotaph to mark the start of armed forces week. This week we remember our armed forces in the Army, Navy, and Airforce, that serve all over the world protecting our interests. Recently we commemorated the eightieth anniversary of the D Day landings, the beginning of the end of the Second World War. The armed forces are as relevant today as they were then." 

"I would like to thank the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and his wife, the standard bearers, Colour Sergeant, and the Colonel-in-chief of the Veterans Association for helping us mark this occasion. Fulwood Barracks will be closing soon, and it is my dearest wish that the museum is maintained and found a new home as soon as possible." 

The Armed Forces flag which is currently flying on the roof of the Town Hall will be taken down on Saturday 29 June, on Armed Forces Day and demonstrates the continuing historic link between the military community and the civic authorities in Preston.  

Further information

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.