VETERANS attended a flagraising ceremony at Thurrock Civic offices this morning (Monday, 21 June) to mark Armed Forces Day, which is on Saturday.

Borough mayor Cllr Sue Shinnick, council leader Cllr Rob Gledhill and MP Jackie Doyle-Price were among the civic dignitaries and Rev Darren Barlow conducted a short service.

Cllr Shinnick said: "It is a privilege to raise this flag in commemoration of the start of Armed Forces Week, and join others from around the UK in celebrating all that the remarkable men and women of our armed forces do.

"Our armed services are rightly viewed with awe and envy across the world. We owe a debt to the countries armed services which is incalculable. By raising this flag today we do what we can to thank all those who currently serve and honour the memory of all that have served in the past."

Cllr Gledhill, who provided closing words for the ceremony, said: "Last year, because of the global pandemic we have all faced, we were unable to mark Remembrance Day as many of us would have liked so it is truly an honour to be here today to raise this flag as thanks to all who serve.

"I have no doubt that our armed services and merchant navy will have an extremely significant role to play as the global roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine takes place. This flag will fly in front of our Civic Offices all week as we show our appreciation."