Paying tribute to our Armed Forces
Read about the celebrations in honour of our military community this Armed Forces Day and hear from health and safety colleague Gareth Richards, a Royal Engineer Veteran, about his moving experience in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday 29 June and is an opportunity to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to veterans, cadets and their families.
Marking 100 years since the unveiling of Paisley's war memorial, we held a special ceremony at the Cenotaph last Friday (21 June) and raised the Armed Forces Day flag outside Renfrewshire House which will now fly for the seven days leading up to Armed Forces Day.
Gareth Richards (pictured centre) in Normandy
In recognition of this important event, we spoke with one of our own colleagues and Royal Engineer Veteran, Gareth Richards, who on 6 June, joined veterans in Normandy for a special celebration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings.
Reflecting on his experience, Gareth said:
"At the ceremony in Bayeux Cemetery, we were honoured to be joined by two D Day veterans who laid wreaths in memory of fallen comrades, from all nationalities, who fought and died for our freedom during the Second World War. I don't think there was a dry eye among the 3,000 attendees.
"I also had the privilege of touring the battlefield at Sword Beach where the British landed 80 years ago as well as visiting the infamous Pegasus Bridge before going on to Omaha, Juno, Utah and Gold landing beaches.
"It was a humbling experience to reflect on the courage and bravery of all those who's sacrifices can never be underestimated or forgotten. I felt extremely proud and honoured to carry the Royal Engineers Corps standard on such an historic occasion."
Armed Forces Family Open Day
Colleagues are encouraged show their support for the armed forces and their families on Armed Forces Day, Saturday 29 June, by joining our local Army Reserve at the 102 Field Squadron barracks on Hawkhead Road, Paisley from 1:30-4pm for their special Armed Forces Family Open Day.
You can speak to local army and air cadet units, enjoy delicious food from the barbeque and take part in a variety of activities for all the family including face painting, glitter tattoos, inflatables, and an assault course.
Published Tuesday 25 June 2024
