Armed Forces

Swansea to pay its respects on Armed Forces Day

Published

2 years ago

23rd June 2021

Editor

The Lord Mayor of Swansea Cllr Mary Jones and other local dignitaries will be honouring those who’ve served their country in the armed forces at a special ceremony at Swansea’s Guildhall Rotunda on Saturday.

Cllr Jones along with the council’s Armed Forces Champion Cllr Wendy Lewis, HM the Lord Lieutenant Louise Fleet JP and the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan Joanna Jenkins will be paying tribute to those who have served as the culmination of Armed Forces Week.

Last year the tributes had to be broadcast online due to the pandemic, but now restrictions are easing the socially-distanced ceremony will take place on the Guildhall Rotunda at 11am.

Also present will be representatives from the armed forces, reservists, veterans and local cadet units and singer Kirsten Orsborn who will perform the national anthems.

Normally the tributes are paid during the Wales National Airshow but due to the pandemic the airshow has been postponed to July next year. However, the Armed Forces Day tribute ceremony at Guildhall has been planned to comply with all the current Welsh Government restrictions.

Cllr Jones said: “Armed Forces Day is the community’s opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to those in the armed services who have served and are serving.

“There are many men and women from this area who are part of the armed forces risking their lives for their country in a wide range of roles.

“We ask those who serve to go into harm’s way on our behalf, often on humanitarian or peace-keeping missions, and I know their assistance made a real difference for Swansea Bay Health Board during the current crisis.

“Armed Forces Day this year is an opportunity to come together to raise public awareness of their commitment and sacrifice. It is a debt we can’t repay, but we can show them our support.”

The Council is showing its support this year by proudly flying the Armed Forces Day flag all week on its civic buildings. In addition Guildhall will be lit up in red, white and blue on the evening of June 26.

Cllr Lewis said: “Swansea Council has always stood side-by-side with the Armed Forces, supporting veterans, reservists and those currently serving and their families. This was the case during the pandemic and it won’t change as we emerge from it.

“I know many of us were disappointed we weren’t able to meet together last year but it’s great that this year the event will be able to go ahead socially-distanced to keep everyone safe. It’s important that those who serve still know that we at Swansea Council and communities across the city are here for them.”

Anyone wishing to attend the ceremony on Saturday 26^th June 2021 at 11.00 a.m. should contact lord.mayors.office@swansea.gov.uk