SWANSEA: City honours its armed forces community as flag is raised over the Guildhall

Swansea has paid tribute to its armed forces community at an Armed Forces Day ceremony outside the Guildhall.

Veterans’ groups, serving personnel, cadets and local dignitaries gathered at the Guildhall rotunda on Monday as the Armed Forces flag was raised to mark the national day of recognition.

The event was hosted by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Penny Matthews, with the Guildhall due to be lit up in the evening as a further mark of respect.

The Lord Mayor of Swansea in ceremonial robes stands beside a uniformed officer saluting, under red parasols at the Guildhall. — The Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Penny Matthews, leads the Armed Forces Day ceremony at the Guildhall. Image: Swansea Council

The Lord Mayor said showing the community’s support for the armed forces and veterans was something she was proud to do all year round, not just on the day itself.

“It was wonderful to see so many people come together at the Guildhall to pay tribute and show our appreciation,” she said.

The arrangements were put together with Swansea Veterans Hub, drawing in partners, community groups and representatives from across the service family.

A serving soldier in uniform with medals talks to an older man in a cap, with other uniformed personnel and cadets seated alongside. — Serving personnel and veterans gather for the ceremony at the Guildhall. Image: Swansea Council

Council leader Rob Stewart said the city had a long history of supporting its armed forces community, and that events like this were a chance to say thank you.

He said the commitment shown by those who serve, and by veterans and their families, was recognised throughout the year, and that the council would keep working with partners to make Swansea a welcoming place for them.

An elderly veteran in a beret and medals sits beneath an umbrella beside a woman, among rows of seated guests on the Guildhall lawn. — A veteran wearing his medals watches the Armed Forces Day ceremony at the Guildhall. Image: Swansea Council

Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said it had been good to see the community come together to honour those who have served and those still serving.

She said the council’s commitment went far beyond a single day, standing alongside veterans, reservists and their families all year.

Two standard-bearers in berets lower ceremonial flags on the Guildhall lawn, with the Lord Mayor and a saluting officer in the background. — Standard-bearers lower their flags during the Armed Forces Day ceremony. Image: Swansea Council

The council says it supports the armed forces community throughout the year, including maintaining war memorials, backing remembrance events and funding local veterans’ groups.

That includes practical help, such as a recently launched free employment support service for veterans across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

There is more for the armed forces community to take part in over the coming weeks.

A free bus service is being laid on to the Wales national Armed Forces Day event at Pembrey, organised with Swansea Veterans Hub. Places can be booked by emailing info@swanseaveteranshub.org.uk or calling 07916 227411 or 07894 417590.

Next month’s Wales Airshow will also feature a dedicated military-themed area on the seafront, giving veterans and their families a chance to enjoy the event and find out about the support available to them.

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