Cheshire West and Chester Council is showing its support to the armed forces community with a week of events to mark Armed Forces Day.

This afternoon (Monday 23 June), The Lord Mayor of Chester and the Chairman of Cheshire West and Chester Council will together raise the Armed Forces Day flag outside Chester Town Hall.

The flag will be raised alongside military and cadet force personnel, local veteran organisations and local civic dignitaries. 

A ceremony will also be held this morning to raise the flag at Chester Crematorium in Blacon.

It marks a new policy to fly the flag at the funeral services of serving and retired military personnel held at the crematorium. 

Councillor Sam Naylor, Cheshire West and Chester Council's Armed Forces Champion said: "We're supporting Armed Forces Day to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who put their country before themselves to protect our way of life.

"The UK Armed Forces work around the clock to protect and defend UK interests at home and abroad and this week is our chance to say thank you."

Councillor Sherin Akhtar, Lord Mayor said: "I am privileged to be able to express my deepest gratitude to our Military personnel for their commitment and outstanding efforts in protecting and defending our country.

"They are away from home in times of war, and moments of crisis which demonstrate the unwavering courage, discipline and a profound sense of duty. 

"A significant number of people from across the globe, of different cultures and religions helped and sacrificed their lives helping the British army in World War 1 and World War 2.

"We must also remember them and their kind efforts in supporting us in our hours of need."

The organisation will also be holding Armed Forces Community Network Coffee Gatherings for those members of its workforce and Councillors who have a connection to the military. 

Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the reserve forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve.

Reserves Day will be held on Wednesday 25 June, when the council will show its support to the country's reserve forces and raise public awareness of the work they do.  

Armed Forces Day falls on Saturday 28 June, where serving military personnel - including regulars, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and veterans, will be eligible for free travel using the council's Park & Ride service in Chester, along with with a fare paying passenger.

To qualify for the offers, serving personnel will be asked to show their military identity card and all other eligible individuals will be asked to show either their Defence Privilege Card or HM Armed Forces Veterans Card.

Brio provides current and ex-members of the military, along with those who are medically discharged, the opportunity to receive a discounted or free leisure membership (subject to terms and conditions). 

All ex-members of the armed forces can benefit from Brio's discounted Work Fit Membership, with currently serving regular and reservist personnel able to benefit from a complimentary off-peak membership, and those medically discharged the same membership free, for one year.

Cheshire West and Chester Council was awarded the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2023 for its work supporting the Armed Forces community in West Cheshire.

This ongoing work includes working with and funding the Armed Forces Community Support Charity, to provide fortnightly NAAFI Break drop-in sessions at Ellesmere Port Library, Dale Barracks in Chester, and at Winsford Library for veterans and their families.

These sessions prevent social isolation and provide one-to-one support for any personal issues that veterans might be facing. 

Visit Cheshire West and Chester Council's website for more information.