10,000 people mark Armed Forces Day in Colchester
The 16 Air Assault Brigade hosted an event at Abbey Field yesterday
Last updated 26th Jun 2022
Around 10,000 people have attended an event in Colchester to mark Armed Forces Day yesterday.
The event at Abbey Field was hosted by the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team and featured displays from the Red Devils Parachute Display team as well as parades of Essex veterans and cadets.
National Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for members of the forces, past and present; as well their families and members of the wider community.
Earlier this week the Armed Forces Day flag was raised at Colchester Town Hall, alongside the Pegasus flag of 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.
Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Tim Young, said: “The raising of the Armed Forces Day flag gives us the opportunity to thank the military community, who have devoted their lives to protecting our nation.
"This year's Armed Forces Day event is particularly poignant as it coincides with the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict, which involved men of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions The Parachute Regiment, now based in Merville Barracks.
“We owe our serving military personnel, particularly the British Army’s airborne forces based here in Colchester, and veterans everywhere, a huge debt of gratitude. Their commitment and sacrifice, at home and abroad, continues to help ensure our liberty and security.”
Celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day were also held in Southend, Brentwood and at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome near Chelmsford.