Ceremony held in Hartlepool to commemorate Armed Forces Day

A special ceremony organised by the Hartlepool Armed Forces Liaison Group, and supported by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Heugh Battery Museum, was held virtually at the museum on Saturday, June 26 at 11am in honour of Armed Forces Day.

The event was not open to the public due to coronavirus restrictions, and was instead live streamed on the council’s Facebook page.

During the ceremony, a presentation by the Armed Forces Liaison Group was given to Sian Cameron in recognition of her achievements and commitment as the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Hartlepool and Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool. also shared her respects.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s event, Mike Facchini, Chairman of Hartlepool Armed Forces Liaison Group, said: “Hartlepool’s commitment to the Armed Forces is second-to-none and this is a very proud day.

"We would like to thank the Heugh Battery Museum very much for hosting our event.

“Although members of the public can’t be with us physically on this occasion, I hope they will join us by watching the event online.”

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Hartlepool Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association as a blessing of the Association’s new standard was presented by their Branch Chaplain the Reverend Gemma Sampson and flags were lowered to the National Anthem.

Councillor Brenda Loynes, the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool paid tribute and said: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our Armed Forces for the sacrifices they make to keep our country safe.

"We remember them every day but pay special tribute to them on Armed Forces Day.

“Hartlepool has a strong and distinguished history of military service and no town could be prouder of our servicemen and women, past and present.”

Councillor Darren Price, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion also took part in the event.

He added: “My dad and I both served in the Royal Navy and both my grandfathers served in the Army, so our family has very strong Armed Forces links.

“The Armed Forces community is very close to the heart of the people of Hartlepool and we are truly grateful for their heroism and dedication.”

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