An official Armed Forces Day event organised by Westside BID saw more than 100 cadets, military and ex-servicemen take part in a special ceremony on Brindleyplace. You can watch a video of the event here:
Scores of people working in and visiting the area watched as young standard-bearers from the Military Preparation College for Training marched into the square, with formal salutes taken for the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Royal Marine Commandos.
Cllr John Lines, himself an ex-serviceman, appeared on behalf of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, to explain the importance of the event held on Friday 23 June.
Historian Professor Carl Chinn then made a speech outlining the history of the UK’s military since Anglo Saxon days.
Prof Chinn said: “ Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to show our support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, whoever they are and wherever they’re from, and we must remember that this community embraces those serving and their families, as well as cadets and veterans and their families.”
The event on Brindleyplace also saw the West Midlands Police Brass Band playing a number of classic tunes, conducted by retired policeman and soldier Cornell ‘Barney’ Barnes, as well as the Last Post.
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “When we realised that there was no big event taking place in Birmingham city centre to mark Armed Forces Day, we acted quickly to make sure one happened.
“Westside BID was honoured to have hosted this special event as a tribute to everyone who has served and is still serving in the Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Royal Marine Commandos – they fully deserve to have the nation’s attention focused on their crucial roles.”
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