Armed Forces Day: Cambridgeshire to honour those in service
Service families, veterans and cadets are also due to be recognised
Cambridgeshire is gearing up to mark Armed Forces Day today, with events due to take place across the county.
Serving troops and veterans are some of those to be recognised for their efforts in the annual event.
The city of Ely is one of those places where army and air cadets will be lining the streets, as well as other services and performances taking place.
“The RAF and army cadets will get Freedom of the City from our mayor Councillor Chris Phillips, instigated by our late mayor Cllr Mike Rouse,” David Martin, chairman of Ely’s Royal British Legion branch, said.
“That’s probably my highlight because I’m the acting parade marshal for that event.
“Both army and air cadets have grown massively over the last few years thanks to the great work of adult staff at both of those squadrons and this kind of event and other events will keep promoting them throughout the community.”
"We want to bring people together"
The town crier will formally open the event, before a live performance from the Breckland Brass Band later in the afternoon.
And those who have a connection to the military are being encouraged to get involved with the event.
Anna Bennett, tourism and town centre of Visit Ely which helped organise Ely’s Armed Forces Day event, is hoping the local community will come together.
“We want to bring people together to celebrate armed forces, from retired armed forces personnel through to those wanting to join the forces,” she said.
“It has been a challenge, there’s lots of things going on and it’s the height of the summer season. It’s a very busy place, but because it’s fairly niche, we’re hoping we’re (Armed Forces Day event) still going to be of interest.”