21 Jun @HarlowCouncil raises flag in support of Armed Forces
Harlow Council hosted a service outside the Civic Centre yesterday (Monday 20 June 2015) as celebrations began across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, which is on Saturday 25 June 2015.
A short service, held at 11am, was attended by the Chair of Harlow Council, Councillor Edna Stevens and former serving members of the Armed Forces. Councillors, Council Officers and members of the public also attended the event. It included raising the Armed Forces flag while the national anthem was sung.
The flag, which recognises the contribution made by those who serve and have served in the Armed Forces, will now remain up for the rest of the week.
Speaking at the ceremony, Councillor Stevens said:
“[This ceremony recognises] the work our armed forces do and the risks they run, not just in battle but at all times.
“Today is not like Remembrance Day, when we honour those who died, but to remember the living, to remember how many men and women there are serving our country all the time. They are not just British people but come from many countries of the Commonwealth. They are also stationed at many places around the globe.
“One group who have supported Britain for 200 years are the Gurkhas. During the Nepal War of 1814-1816, a small band of Gurkhas captured a British Officer who had been deserted by the force of Indian soldiers he was leading. They had been so afraid of the Gurkhas they dared not stay and fight. But their commander, Lieutenant Frederick Young, had stood his ground. When the Gurkhas took him prisoner, they asked why he had not fled. They were astonished by his reply: ‘I didn’t come this far just to run away’. The Gurkhas said: ‘We could serve under an Officer like you!’
“That is the legend of how the British and Gurkhas came together. They have been fighting in our cause for 200 years and hope to continue for many more. So today, let us remember all those in the Armed Services, Army, Navy and Air Force, whose lives are in danger every day.”
