Dumfries and Galloway Council is celebrating Armed Forces Day week with events taking place from Monday 24 June. Events are being held as part of the annual national campaign to provide everyone the opportunity to show their support for the people of the Armed Forces, past and present, including serving troops, their families, reservists, veterans and cadets.
To start the week flag raising events are taking place across our region on Monday 24 June:
At 10am at the Midsteeple in Dumfries, Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE – the council’s Armed Forces Champion and winner of the Scottish Veterans Awards Role Model of The Year 2024 – will be the master of ceremonies; Councillor Maureen Johnstone, Provost of Dumfries will make a short address, and His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for Dumfries, Major Charles Milroy TD VR DL will do a vote of thanks.
At 11am flags will be raised at Annan Town Hall, Market Hill in Castle Douglas, Moffat Town Hall, Castle Square in Stranraer, Colliston Park in Dalbeattie, Sanquhar Tolbooth, and Langholm Town Hall. The flags will be flown until 1 July 2024.
On Armed Forces Day itself, a parade will take place from 11.40am until 12.30pm on Saturday, 29 June in Dumfries Town Centre. The parade will be led by members of Dumfries and Annan Town Bands, followed by representatives of our retired and serving Armed Forces personnel.
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE will be the master of ceremonies, the Council’s Convener, Councillor Malcolm Johnstone will make an address.
Councillor Malcolm Johnstone, Convener, Dumfries and Galloway Council, said: “Armed Forces Day is our opportunity to show our appreciation for those that have served and who continue to serve in our Armed Forces. In Dumfries and Galloway, our Armed Forces are very well supported by people from across the length and breadth of the region. A recent example of this was when many people came to line the streets of Garlieston on 6 June to mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day in recognition of the significant role that the village played in the landings. Reflecting on that day, there was a huge sense of respect and gratitude for those who have served and who continue to serve, further enhancing the strong support for the Armed Forces.
“I invite you all to join us on Saturday, 29 June, as we mark Armed Forces Day 2024 to thank them. Our Council has a proud record of supporting our Armed Forces and it is my privilege and honour to participate in the event.”
Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Armed Forces Champion, said: “I am pleased to invite all veterans, reserves, cadets, and serving personnel to come along to mark the occasion with us by being part of the parade. It is testament to the value that our citizens place on Armed Forces personnel that so many people come along to support us, and I would encourage anyone to share in the camaraderie and pride that comes from being part of this event.
“I am also pleased to also share that an Armed Forces Day Parade will take place from 11.00am on Sunday, 7 July in the Wigtownshire Club Rugby Field, Stranraer with stalls and displays being on show between 11am and 4pm on the day.”
One partner. No competitors. Full visibility across the region.
