Dozens of people from local service charities and cadet groups took part in a parade through Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (June 25th) to mark Armed Forces Day.
The parade along Burnham’s Victoria Street and the High Street was followed by a flag-raising ceremony and short remembrance ceremony besides the town fountain.
Co-ordinated by Burnham’s MP James Heappey, who served as a major in the Rifles, the event saw local service charities and cadet cores from across the area taking part.
The Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) also hold their annual Brew For The Few coffee morning at The Railway pub during the morning, raising hundreds of pounds for the charity. Burnham’s Royal British Legion branch also welcomed visitors to its HQ in Victoria Street.
MP James Heappey told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I’m absolutely delighted that we had an excellent turnout of cadets, veterans and members of the public who were showing their support for our armed forces.”
“It’s important to note that Armed Forces Day is not a remembrance day, it’s a day to celebrate all of those who have served in our military and who continue to serve in our military and all the things that our military does in this country.”
Mr Heappey, pictured above, added: “It was great to see it so well celebrated in Burnham. This year we proved there is an appetite for a celebration in Burnham and, as pleased as we are with the turnout, we’ll work on an even bigger event next year and make it a Somerset celebration of Armed Forces Day.”
John Bryan, President of the Burnham branch of RAFA (Royal Air Forces Association), said: “We’re delighted with how it went – there was an extremely good turnout this year – and it was great to see so many residents out waving flags as the parade went past as well.”
The Mayor and Mayoress joined in the ceremony and parade
The parade started at The Princess Theatre and moved along the High Street
Burnham’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor were near the front of the parade
Large numbers of people turned out to watch and clap those in the parade
The flag ceremony took place next to the town’s water fountain
Two wreaths were laid by local groups in honour of our armed forces
The Mayor meets Burnham’s sea cadets after the ceremony
The Mayor also met local army cadets after the parade
Large numbers of spectators turned out to watch the event
A trophy was also presented for the best decorated shop window to Material Needs in the High Street, as pictured below.
