Westside BID has planned a special public event to mark Armed Forces Day in the main square of Brindleyplace this Friday 23 June.
Anyone working in or visiting the Westside area is invited to watch as the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Army and Royal Marine Commandos are celebrated at the event, which begins at around 10:50am.
Gerald Manton, chair of Westside BID, will open the ceremony with Cllr John Lines then introducing a respectful silence and Last Post on behalf of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Cllr Lines, himself an ex-serviceman, will then explain the importance of the Armed Forces Day before introducing Professor Carl Chinn, who will deliver a talk explaining the history of the UK’s military since Anglo Saxon days.
A brass band will then play as young standard-bearers from the Military Preparation College for Training march into the square, with formal salutes taken from the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Royal Marine Commandos.
Khalid Mahmood, the Labour MP for Perry Barr, will then take the microphone to explain the significance of the Commonwealth forces.
The Last Post will be played again before those watching enjoy a variety of tunes by the brass band.
The public event is planned to end by around midday, and Westside BID will then host a lunch for everyone involved at the new BOX sports bar.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “We are pleased to be hosting this special event in Brindleyplace to mark Armed Forces Day.
“Everyone who has served and is still serving in the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Royal Marine Commandos fully deserve to have the nation’s attention focused on their crucial roles.
“We want to not only to pay tribute to our armed forces, but also to explain the history of the military, the role of the SSAFA Armed Forces charity, and to highlight the role of the Commonwealth.
“Everyone is invited to attend and watch this special event in Birmingham city centre which we will make sure is enjoyable for all.”
Pictures: these are scenes from last year’s Remembrance Day events that Westside BID held in Brindleyplace.
