Banbury Town Council recognises Armed Forces Week

The annual event, which normally culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, is an opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the country’s armed forces community – including serving troops, service families, veterans and cadets.

Armed Forces Day takes place every year on the last Saturday in June, but this year the event has been cancelled because of coronavirus.

Armed Forces Week began on Monday when flags were raised on buildings and landmarks around the country.

In Banbury, the flag was raised at the town hall by leader of the town council Kieron Mallon and mayor John Colegrave.

Cllr Mallon, who is also president of the Banbury Royal British Legion branch, said: “The show of support for our armed forces provides a valuable morale boost for the troops and their families.

“In Banbury we normally celebrate Armed Forces Day with a military procession and a day of events in the Market Place, but the coronavirus has prevented that from going ahead this year.”

Cllr Colegrave added: “Armed Forces Day is a popular event in Banbury and many people will be disappointed that it has been cancelled. However, we are able to show our support for the armed forces by raising the forces’ flag.”