Newham honours first
National Armed Forces Day
Newham Council has honoured the
first ever National Armed Forces day with a flag raising ceremony
and March of Honour.
More than 80 people were at Newham Town Hall in East Ham
last Monday for Council's flag raising ceremony. Another 2,500
turned out on Saturday for a March of Honour by the British Legion,
cadets, girl guides and scouts.
They then gathered in the Royal Victoria Gardens in North
Woolwich for a fete which featured a performance by the British
Caledonian Armed Forces Pipe Band as well as an exhibition on the
area's history and an information stand about the work of local
cadets.
Deputy Mayor Christine Bowden was among those to pay tribute and
said it was an opportunity for locals to show their support for the
troops.
She said: "The freedom and democracy we're lucky enough to enjoy
today came at a price and we will never forget the bravery of the
millions of men and women who fought in defence of our nation.
"Newham does more than any other local authority to provide
opportunities for people to get together.
"The parade and fete were a great way of honouring our armed
forces veterans and those still serving as well as providing
opportunities to have fun and be active."