Armed Forces Day is hailed

PLYMOUTH’S Armed Forces week has been branded ‘a huge success’, after visitors and residents turned up in their thousands to show respect to Services personnel past and present.

- KATIE TIMMS

It was a week-long celebration in the city, which culminated in the spectacular Armed Forces Day – in association with defence company Babcock International – last Saturday. For a city with a proud military history, it was a real opportunity to come together and celebrate.

On Monday, June 19, the week opened with official ceremonial raising of the Armed Forces flag outside Plymouth Guildhall; followed by a two-day Army recruitment event with hands-on activities, vehicles on display, simulators and a climbing wall.

The sun shone for the participants and spectators of the Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Navy Recovery Centre Hasler, sponsored by AECOM and The Royal Marines Charity. The city welcomed nearly 200 Services personnel on recovery duties and veterans to take part in the swim, bike and row events. Teams from the United States and the Netherlands also took full advantage of the stunning Art Deco Tinside Lido and the view over Plymouth Hoe.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: “Congratulations to everyone taking part, and thank you to our delivery partners South West Highways and Plymouth Active.”

Plymouth Armed Forces Day took place last Saturday with a full day’s programme, featuring displays, parades, demonstrations, entertainment and an evening concert.