Special event in Sleaford for veterans
It's part of armed forces week which aims to recognise those who served in the forces.
Last updated 25th Jun 2024
Veterans across Lincolnshire and Newark are being recognised for their service this week.
Various events are taking place across the region to make the Armed forces day.
They include at Cleethorpes this weekend.
Yesterday a flag was raised in Sleaford to recognise those who served in the forces.
Afterwards there was a lunch where more than 260 veterans attended.
They included 98 year old Les Budding who served in the Royal Marines - providing covering fire for the first wave of troops who stormed Sword Beach on the 6th of June 80 years ago.
It's so nice to know that they're going to carry on these traditions
He told us: "Soon after the war nobody was interested in those who'd been to fight the war."
"But as years have gone by that's changed and it's so nice to know that they're going to carry on these traditions."
He says he never thought the acts of him and his comrades would be remembered.
"In recent years I was expecting it to be a big event being as it's the 80th anniversary - but in the early days I didn't give it much thought to be quite honest."
He told us what it was like just after the war.
We took everything in our stride
"We were all youngsters coming out the forces - all wanting to get married - those who weren't already married."
"Finding another job - because a lot of us didn't have jobs to go back to."
"We took everything in our stride."
He also tells us it's important to support the country's veterans from that time.
"I served for 22 years as Chairman of the Normandy veterans association in Boston."
"I made a lot of friends and there's a bond between the few of us are left and we support each other where we can."
It allows us to recognise those individuals who provide a service to their country
We also spoke to Jonathon Darrington-Slegg from Sleaford Royal British Legion who told us the event is important for all that attend.
"It allows us to recognise those individuals who provide a service to their country."
"It allows North Kesteven District council in particular to recognise its contribution to the armed forces covenant."
"And it recognises those individuals within the area who are both serving and from a veteran community".