Share your salute for Armed Forces Week

Residents are invited to show their support for the borough’s Armed Forces in a different way this year.

In previous years there have been displays from Reserve Forces and Armed Forces charities and organisations in Chester city centre to mark Armed Forces Week but the COVID-19 pandemic means that plans have to change.

Celebrations are moving online instead, and residents are invited to share photos or videos of themselves, friends, family or colleagues saluting to pay tribute to the Armed Forces community for their work to keep us safe.

Councillor Brian Jones, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Armed Forces Member Champion, said: “We always mark Armed Forces Week to celebrate the outstanding contribution of these special people and their families to our country.

“That’s even more important now, at a time when our Armed Forces are playing such a vital part in tackling the spread of COVID-19.

“We might not be able to gather together in person this Armed Forces Week but it would be great if as many people as possible could share their salute to show this community that we value them.”

Armed Forces Week takes place from 22 June and includes Reserves Day on 24 June and Armed Forces Day itself on 27 June.

The Council will be raising the Armed Forces Day flag throughout the week at HQ and the Town Hall in Chester, Wyvern House in Winsford, Civic Way in Ellesmere Port and Brio’s Memorial Court Leisure Centre in Northwich.

You can post a video or photo of your salute and add a message of thanks on the Council’s Inspire Cheshire West website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/inspire-cheshirewest which was launched to celebrate how our communities are pulling together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

National Armed Forces Day organisers have put together videos on how to salute like Service Personnel. For more information visit: www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/saluteourforces.

The Council also provides a range of support to the Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant. Details can be found at: http://westcheshirearmedforcescovenant.co.uk.