CIVIC leaders and the chairman of BCP Council gathered outside the BCP Civic Centre in Bournemouth to honour past and present servicemen as part of Armed Forces Week.

Chairman of BCP Cllr Nigel Hedges led the small service earlier today, in which attendees witnessed a minute’s silence and the last post was played by a bugler.

After Cllr Hedges raised an Armed Forces Day flag up the flagpole, Father Andrew Wagstaff from the Bournemouth Oratory Church on Richmond Hill officiated the event as nominated Chaplin and brought the service to a close.

Cllr Nigel Hedges said: “I was honoured to be able to participate in this event and all events that recognise the service and sacrifice of our armed forces.

“It was with pride that I performed the honour of raising the flag this morning in recognition of all that our soldiers, sailors and airmen give and sacrifice for our United Kingdom.”

In their first public events in their new roles, The Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr David Kelsey and Poole mayor Cllr Julie Bagwell were present, as well Deputy Mayor of Christchurch Cllr Avril Coulton.

Bournemouth Echo: Civic leaders from Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and the chairman of BCP Council gathered outside the BCP Civic Centre in Bournemouth to honour past and present servicemen as part of Armed Forces Week on Monday June 21

Cllr Kelsey, who served in Northern Ireland with the Army, said: “It is important to do these kinds of services and, as an ex-serviceman myself, it is especially important for me.

“It is a chance to acknowledge not only those who have paid the ultimate price for their country because we do that at other services during the calendar year.

“It is a chance to say thank you to the service people who continue to serve their country and keep us safe, especially over the last year where they have helped with the Covid vaccination programme.

“The Armed Forces are integral to this country, and it is a great way of life. Today is a chance to remember them and for them to realise we are all grateful for the service they do.”

Bournemouth Echo: Civic leaders from Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch and the chairman of BCP Council gathered outside the BCP Civic Centre in Bournemouth to honour past and present servicemen as part of Armed Forces Week on Monday June 21

The service marked the start of Armed Forces week, with Armed Forces Day held on Saturday June 26.

Mayor of Poole Cllr Bagwell said: “It was a fantastic service today. We all need to remember our fallen soldiers, marines etc., and obviously I have the marine camp up by me, so it is in my ward, and I do cherish our armed services.

“They do a fantastic job.”

Cllr Avril Coulton, Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, added: “I was very proud as Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, to represent my town at the ceremony held at Bournemouth Civic Offices for the raising of the Armed Forces Flag for the start of Armed Forces Week.

“It was moving to remember the debt we owe to our wonderful armed forces.”