The Armed Forces Day flag is now proudly flying in Barrow, Kendal and Penrith, marking the start of Armed Forces Week 2025 (22-28 June).
Armed Forces Week is an opportunity for communities across the country to show their support for the Armed Forces community, from currently serving personnel and their families to veterans and cadets. It includes Reserves Day on Wednesday 25 June, which celebrates the valuable contribution of Reservists, and culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday 28 June.
In Barrow, the Armed Forces Day flag was raised on Saturday (21 June) at the town hall, following a short parade. In Kendal, the flag was raised today (23 June) above the town hall during a ceremony accompanied by a bugler and attended by Deputy Lieutenant, Colonel (Retd) Christopher Sanderson OBE JP, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Chairman, Cllr Doug Rathbone, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Kendal, Cllr Richard Sutton and Cllr Helen Ladhams, members of the Royal British Legion (RBL), local veterans and cadets. The flag was also raised today in Penrith outside the town hall building during a ceremony attended by members of the RBL, the Deputy Chair of Westmorland and Furness Council, Cllr Mark Rudhall, the Mayor of Penrith, Cllr Valerie Bowen, local veterans and cadets, with music from Penrith Town Band.
The council’s three Armed Forces Champions – Cllr Bill McEwan (Barrow), Cllr Vicky Hughes (South Lakeland) and Cllr Mike Eyles (Eden) – were present at their respective events to show their support.
Westmorland and Furness Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2023, pledging to ensure that those who serve or have served, and their families, receive fair treatment and are not disadvantaged by their military service.
Recent initiatives include a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for military personnel and veterans who meet the essential criteria for council roles, helping to support their transition into civilian employment.
Council employees who serve as Reservists or Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) can also access up to two weeks’ paid special leave for annual training camps and Defence-related commitments, recognising their valuable contribution both to national defence and to inspiring young people through the cadet forces.
The council’s commitment has been acknowledged with the prestigious Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, highlighting its ongoing efforts to create meaningful opportunities for service personnel and veterans.
To find out more about the council’s support for the Armed Forces community, visit westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk and search for 'armed forces' or email armedforces@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
