Ceremonies to mark Armed Forces Day were held in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge on Saturday (June 27th).
Burnham and Highbridge’s Mayor Michael Clarke led a flag-raising ceremony in Market Street, Highbridge, and a separate ceremony in Burnham besides the water fountain in Marine Drive.
The town’s MP James Heappey, right, who is a veteran, was among those taking part in the ceremony.
He told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Armed Forces Day is about celebrating those who are currently serving and have served in our Armed Forces, whereas Remembrance Day is about commemorating. It’s really important that people came out in good numbers today, including serving members and veterans.”
“Armed Forces Day started quite soon after my last trip to Afghanistan and I think it’s a great day. My hope is that we may be able to make even more of the day here in the future – it’s a lovely ceremony when we raise the flag, but wouldn’t it be great if we could all gather outside the Legion and march down the High Street with more cadets involved. There’s a lot of sympathy and empathy with the armed forces in Burnham and Highbridge and I think there’s a chance to do more to mark this important day.”
Armed Forces Day is held each year to raise public awareness of the contribution made to the country by the Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces Day Flag was raised by Burnham’s Mayor Michael Clarke and Deputy Mayor Paul Young
In Highbridge, residents gathered next to the community hall for their ceremony
The Mayor, Myoress and Deputy Mayor joined the ceremony in Burnham
Residents gathered to watch the ceremony in Burnham by the town fountain
Burnham army cadets were one of the groups represented at the ceremony
Burnham’s Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) branch held a ‘Brew for the Few’ coffee morning in The Railway pub afterwards, pictured above
Video highlights of the Burnham flag ceremony
