Hemel Hempstead MP celebrates Armed forces Week

Sir Mike Penning MP celebrates Armed Forces Week #SaluteOurForces campaign
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The MP for Hemel Hempstead, Sir Mike Penning, has shown his support for Armed Forces Week which leads up to Armed forces Day on Saturday, June 27.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for the council and residents to show gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who make up the armed forces community, from current serving troops to service families, veterans, cadets and their families and friends.

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Last year Dacorum Borough Council hosted an Armed Forces Day event at Gadebridge Park, which attracted over 3000 people.

Hemel Hempstead MP celebrates Armed forces WeekHemel Hempstead MP celebrates Armed forces Week
Hemel Hempstead MP celebrates Armed forces Week

The celebrations for this year will be different due to the coronavirus pandemic, and Dacorum Borough Council started the celebrations yesterday (Monday) when flags were raised on buildings and landmarks throughout the country.

Sir Mike Penning attended the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag at The Forum in Hemel Hempstead.

He said: “Last year we celebrated Armed Forces Day in Gadebridge Park with over 3,000 people attending the event.

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"Sadly, we cannot do the same this year, however, we will still be celebrating Armed Forces Day in Dacorum.”

As people will not be able to attend large events this year, Armed Forces Day is calling on people across the country to #SaluteOurForces instead.

To take part simply take a photo of yourself saluting and place the photo on social media with the hashtag #SaluteOurForces.

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Sir Mike added: “It’s a difficult year this year, but any way we can show support for the armed forces is welcome.

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"The Armed Forces have been tremendous during this pandemic.

"They have stepped in to fill a logistics role to ensure our NHS has all the PPE and testing equipment they need.

"They have done it with utmost professionalism.

“We have some of the best armed forces in the world, so it is only right that one day a year we come together to celebrate the work they do and be proud of them and the whole military wider family.”

Hertfordshire County Council marks Armed Forces Week each year as part of our commitment to The Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment from public and private organisations to support the active and retired Armed Forces community, promoted locally as Hertfordshire Heroes.

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Flying Officer Marc Moss is currently deployed to help during the Covid-19 pandemic on the Operation Shield initiative.

He said: “Both the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant and Armed Forces Week serve to highlight and celebrate the amazing work and sacrifices that all members of the armed forces make in service to their country.

"The Covenant gives service personnel the comfort and confidence that when they re-enter civilian life, they will face no barriers to accessing things which others may take for granted.

“I am currently managing the people aspect of Operation Shield, from the volunteers who are working in warehouses, packing food boxes and to the delivery drivers who make it all happen.

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"I am also heavily involved in liaising with local charities organising food deliveries."

Armed Forces Week is a chance to show support for currently serving troops, including reservists, as well as veterans, cadets and their families.

There are many ways for Hertfordshire residents to show their support and get involved virtually this year.

Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board Chairman, Cllr Terry Douris said: “Despite the current Covid-19 situation residents across Hertfordshire can still get involved with Armed Forces week and show their appreciation for service personnel in the county.

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“Hertfordshire Heroes works in partnership with organisations across sectors to ensure that no veteran faces a disadvantage when accessing public services while commemorating and promoting awareness of the armed forces community.

"It also aims to develop strong relationships with the armed forces community and supports activities to integrate serving and ex-military personnel into local life.”