A SPECIAL service will be held this week to mark Armed Forces Day.
On Saturday, 25 June, the city’s annual service, for invited guests, will be held at Liverpool Parish Church, Our Lady and St Nicholas, which will be followed by a parade to the Royal Albert Dock.
The service will start at 10.30am and the parade involving the band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, veterans and cadets will leave the church at 11.15am, ending at 11.45am.
A rolling roadblock will be in place whilst the parade proceeds down Chapel Street and then along The Strand towards the Royal Albert Dock.
Anyone who wishes to watch the parade is reminded that trains will not be running on Saturday. However, Free bus travel is also being offered to past and present members of the Armed Forces and cadets by Arriva on the day. On boarding the bus, people wishing to use the offer should show the driver their ID card, Armed Forces Veteran ID card or and MOD-issued Veteran’s Badge.
The service marks the end of Armed Forces Week which starts today, Monday, 20 June, with the Armed Forces Week flag being flown from Liverpool Town Hall.
The flag was raised by Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Roy Gladden, who is also the city’s Armed Forces Champion, and Lieutenant Colonel Angus Precious Royal Marines, Commanding Officer, Royal Marine Reserve Merseyside.
The flag raising followed a civic reception with senior representatives of the Armed Forces, the Merchant Navy and The Royal British Legion.
During the week, reservists, veterans and those who volunteer with the cadets who are Liverpool City Council staff have been invited to a civic reception at the Town Hall with the Lord Mayor.
The Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building will also be lit red, white and blue on Saturday.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roy Gladden, said:
“It is always a special date in the civic calendar to give our thanks to members of the Armed Forces and the Merchant Navy – to those who are serving now, to those who have served and to all the reservists who selflessly give their own time.
“This year we especially remember all those who served during the Falklands War as we mark the conflict’s 40th anniversary in 2022.
“Our city has always had a strong military connection and it is a great honour to celebrate them and thank them for all they have done, and all they continue to do for our country.”
Lt Col Angus Precious RM, Commanding Officer, Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside, said:
“It is an honour to be invited to raise the flag for Armed Forces Day alongside the Lord Mayor.
“The military has an extensive presence in Liverpool and across the region, both in our serving and veteran community, and Armed Forces Week is a great opportunity to recognise the amazing support we receive.”