A GOVERNMENT minister will be joining a town mayor to celebrate the arrival of the armed forces flag in a town in Cornwall. 

Veteran’s minister, Johnny Mercer MP, Launceston town mayor Cllr Helen Bailey, serving military personnel, veterans and cadets will gather on Friday 2nd June at 10.30am in Launceston Town Square to celebrate the arrival of the Armed Forces Day flag.

Armed Forces Day honours the commitment and service of men and women from the RAF, British Army and Royal Navy.

The veteran’s minister will lead a short ceremony to thank those in the military services, both past and present and to mark the occasion of Launceston receiving the official Armed Forces Day flag. The ceremony will have musical accompaniment from military buglers.

Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer said: “Events like this are a great opportunity for us to come together, to remember and recognise the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel and veterans to keep us all safe and secure.

"It is a pleasure to be invited to attend, and I look forward to speaking to veterans and others about how current government support is working for them and their families. Providing veterans with clear pathways for accessing greater support is important not only for the 39,000 veterans in Cornwall, but for veterans throughout the UK.”

Launceston town mayor Helen Bailey said; “Our armed forces have to be adaptable, show professionalism and be courageous, we’re proud to take possession of the Armed Forces Day flag in Launceston, the flag will be raised at the start of Armed Forces Week to signify our community’s support.”

For more information, please visit Home - Armed Forces Day (cornwall.gov.uk) or follow Twitter or Facebook @ArmedForcesDay #Cornwall2023 #SaluteOurForces