Leading officials gather in Aylesbury to mark start of Armed Forces Week

Several high profile politicians from the county attended a flag-raising ceremony outside the Old Crown Court building in Aylesbury Town Centre.

Bucks Council chairman, Councillor John Chilver, led the ceremony in Aylesbury while a similar event was held in High Wycombe.

Representatives from the Armed Forces attended both events, which provided a chance to recognise and thank military personnel for their service.

The council revealed that it was supporting a campaign calling on more organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

Councillor Chilver said: “Armed Forces Week is a powerful reminder of the dedication, courage and sacrifice shown by our Armed Forces community, both here in Buckinghamshire and across the country. As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that those who serve and have served, along with their families, are supported and treated fairly in all aspects of civilian life.”

The council also revealed that it holds Gold Award status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in recognition of the support it provides to staff members who are part of the Armed Forces community.

Armed Forces Week is a national campaign supporting the military community. Further events will take place during the week including, Reserves Day on Wednesday, celebrating the civilians who are on-call to military action if required.

Bucks Council highlighted the county’s history and current importance within the military world, referencing its RAF bases and its role in Operation ‘Hillside’ at Hughenden Manor during the Second World War.