Paying Tribute to the Armed Forces Community

It's Armed Forces Day today, a day when we say thank you to all currently serving troops and their families and to the whole Armed Forces Community. It's a day to pay tribute to the service they give on our behalf. Here in Bedford Borough, we have signed a 'Community Covenant', which sets out the mutual commitment made between the Bedford Borough community and the armed forces locally. It was of course an honour to sign that covenant as Mayor and leader of the Council, and I said at the time that the important thing was not the signing of the commitment, but making sure it means something in practice.

A couple of events in the lead-up to Armed Forces Day today provided excellent opportunities to show our heartfelt support to members of the forces. Firstly, the 'Forces Festival' event at Bedford International Athletics Stadium last weekend was a brilliant family fun day, with huge range of sporting activities for the young and the not-so-young to try, with Military Fitness Tests for those up to the challenge! I had a brief go at wheelchair basketball, amongst other activities, and it gave me a real appreciation of the skill and fitness required for the game. The Bedford Town Band were there, playing to their usual high standard, and with all proceeds going to Armed Forces Charity SSAFA, a great day was had by all. I must also give a special mention to Mr Baden Hall, a local resident who served with the Royal Navy in the Second World War, and was finally presented with his Arctic Star Medal at the event.

On Monday, we then had the Armed Forces Day Flag-Raising ceremony at Borough Hall. The Standard-Bearers were a true credit as always, as were the young Bedford Sea Cadets. Here's a photo of the flag on its way up!