As part of the celebrations for this year’s Armed Forces Day, a special event will recognise the invaluable contribution former service personnel, and their families, bring to Staffordshire.
The event, being organised by Staffordshire County Council and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce will be held at Shire Hall in Stafford on Reserves Day, Wednesday 21st June.
The event will showcase the wide range of local support, information, advice and guidance available to armed forces communities. Businesses and organisations will have the opportunity to find out about the Armed Forces Covenant and the benefits of supporting those communities. This includes an understanding of the skills former serving personnel and their families can bring to Staffordshire.
Alongside this, Shire Hall Business Centre will be hosting an information event for veterans interested in starting their own business. They will get the chance to meet the team and find out about the facilities and services on offer. This includes the recently announced six-month discount for veterans when renting a business unit at one of the council’s 14 business centres.
Staffordshire County Council Leader, Alan White said: “As an ex serving member of the armed forces myself, this time of year means a lot to me. It’s a special time when we come together to show our support to all those serving in our armed forces who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
“After re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant back in February, it is even more important that we continue to show our support and appreciation to those communities. Our job now is to encourage other organisations large and small to sign the covenant and I would urge them to get along to the event at Shire Hall and find out more.
“It’s also great that our Enterprise centres are supporting veterans by offering the discount on renting a business unit. Leaving the forces and joining civilian life can be a challenge but initiatives like this can help them make that move.”
In the lead up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24th June, the county council will be flying the armed forces flag from Shire Hall in Stafford. Reservists and former serving members working at the council will also be encouraged to wear their uniforms.
Other events include a short service of tribute at the National Memorial Arboretum and a weekend of family fun activities, live music and food and craft stalls. At the Queen’s Park in Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, the North Staffs Armed Forces and Veterans Celebration will take place on Saturday 24th June from 11am to 5pm.
Further details are available on the Armed Forces Covenant website.
Visit the Armed Forces Day events website to find events in Staffordshire.
