West Lothian takes part in Armed Forces Week
West Lothian Council is joining organisations across the country in flying the flag for Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Week takes place annually and honours the work of our armed forces. Every year, West Lothian Council raises the Armed Forces Day Flag to mark Armed Forces Week. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus outbreak, this year's Armed Forces Day Flag Raising event has been cancelled, however, West Lothian Council will still proudly fly the Flag from Monday 22 June 2020.
The flag will remain in place for a week in honour of our country's armed forces and also to celebrate Reserves Day which is on Wednesday 24 June 2020. Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military. West Lothian Council's Facebook page will be sharing updates on #SaluteOurForces and how you can take park in Armed Forces Week from your home.
Provost Tom Kerr said: "Armed Forces Day is an ideal opportunity for us all to mark the contribution of the brave men and women, past and present, who represent the Armed Forces. "Things are of course a little different this year but by flying the flag, we show our support for the men and women and their families who make up the Armed Forces community and the value they add to the wider West Lothian community."
Councillor John McGinty, West Lothian Veterans Champion and Chair of the West Lothian Armed Forces Covenant Group, said: "The council has been signed up to the Armed Forces Community Covenant for a number of years and works closely with veterans support organisations to offer support between the armed forces and civilian communities in West Lothian.
"Armed Forces week represents an opportunity to highlight and recognise the service and commitment of everyone in our Armed Forces who have served and continue to serve. The role our Armed Forces play in supporting communities across the country has arguably rarely been more evident as it has been in the past few months to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Whether it be supporting the operation of our health service, helping to deliver PPE kit or running mobile testing units such as the one that has visited Bathgate Xcite, there is no doubt that Armed Forces personnel deserve our gratitude.
"Although we can't be there in person, the Armed Forces Day Flag will still be flown as a mark of respect."
