Armed Forces Day
An invitation is being extended to any Lincolnshire veterans of World War Two to join in a lunch celebrating the contributions of our Armed Forces: past, present and future.
The 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe and Japan, bringing World War Two to an end, will be the theme for North Kesteven District Council’s annual veterans’ lunch on June 23, which is a significant part of its Armed Forces Day activity and specifically celebrates the individual and collective service of veterans spanning many decades through the presentation of Veteran’s Badges.
Veterans of any length of service with UK Armed Forces – Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force or Merchant Navy – can apply to receive a badge marking their contributions over any period, from decades to just one day. The deadline to apply to receive a badge on June 23 is May 16.
Council Leader Cllr Richard Wight, himself an RAF veteran, said:
“It is fitting in this significant anniversary year that the immense courage and bravery of all of those involved in World War Two is remembered, celebrated and commemorated.
“We know that there are regrettably very few men and women, who served in World War Two still alive to share their experiences of that time. It would be a great honour to host any veterans who shared in the joys of VE and VJ Days whilst on active service – not just from North Kesteven but from across Lincolnshire. To have them attend our lunch on June 23, alongside our more recent veteran guests, would really reinforce the principle of Armed Forces Day recognising past present and future service.”
The invitation-only lunch will be held at the North Kesteven District Council Civic Suite in Sleaford, between noon and around 2pm. It will feature themed readings and the presentation of Veterans' Badges to those who have applied in recognition of their period of service within the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal or Merchant Navy as a regular, reservist or through National Service in the past.
It will follow the usual Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony in Sleaford Market Place between 10.30am and 11am. This free event is open to the public to attend.
To nominate a WW2 veteran for the lunch, and discuss arrangements, please contact the council's Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk before June 6. WW2 veteran guests may be joined by a companion.
To apply to have a Veteran’s Badge presented at the lunch, please get in touch with the Partnerships Team on 01529 414155 or email armedforces@n-kesteven.gov.uk before May 16.