Sunderland flies the flag to support the military on Armed Forces Day

The Armed Forces flag was raised at Sunderland Civic Centre to mark Armed Forces Day today, Saturday, June 26, and will fly until Monday.

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday in June and acknowledges the contribution made by military personnel and their families to their country and communities.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Cllr Henry Trueman and Cllr Dorothy Trueman hosted a flag-raising ceremony and welcomed guests including Dr Noman Taylor, Deputy Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear and representation from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and HMS ANSON.

Cllr Trueman, said: "Today's flag raising ceremony provides us all with the opportunity to think about and pay tribute to all those within the Armed Forces, their families and support organisations.

"I am honoured to represent the people of our city as we raise the flag to celebrate Armed Forces Day.”

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council and Armed Forces Champion, said: "We often think of the contribution our armed forces make in terms of overseas military operations, but this year we have seen the vital contribution they make at home - supporting communities devastated by flooding, delivering PPE equipment to hospitals, distributing food parcels, helping construct Nightingale Hospitals and helping with the vaccinated prohramme against Covid-19.

"Armed Forces Day is our chance to say thank you and let them know we appreciate all they do for the greater good of our country."

Residents are encouraged to get involved in Armed Forces Day on social media using #ArmedForcesDay.