Hambleton District Council has marked the start of National Armed Forces Day celebrations today.
Council chairman, Councillor Michael Barningham raised the special flag at the Civic Centre in Northallerton.
For the second year running the coronavirus pandemic has meant that the usual celebrations involving the veterans, civic dignitaries, RAF Leeming personnel, Northallerton Air and Army Cadets and councillors could not be present.
Councillor Barningham said: “Despite the pandemic we felt it is massively important that our Armed Forces past and present are celebrated. We wanted to show our support and gratitude for the huge personal sacrifices they have made and continue to make for our country.”
A spokesperson from RAF Leeming added: “We are terribly sad that again we will not be able to mark this important occasion.
“We hope that we will be able to conduct a full event next year.
“Our close connection with Hambleton District Council and the support from the local community is extremely important to us and this event is one of several that strengthens our bond.”
Councillor Barningham read out two poems at the very small ceremony: ‘Our Veterans’ by Joanna Fuchs and ‘Unless you have been in the military’ by Clive Sanders.
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