Hampshire County Council raised the Armed Forces Flag on Monday, June 21, to celebrate Hampshire’s Armed Forces community and mark the start of Armed Forces Week.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq. and the County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andrew Joy took part in a small COVID-secure ceremony outside the Great Hall in Winchester. The flag will be flown until sunset on Sunday, June 30.

HM Lord-Lieutenant said: “I am delighted that once again, we are able to take the opportunity to recognise the commitment and dedication of our military personnel and give thanks to veterans and families. Although we cannot hold a military parade this year, we can still demonstrate Hampshire’s gratitude, pride and strong commitment to the Armed Forces community by flying the Armed Forces flag.”

Hampshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andrew Joy, added: “In Hampshire, we hugely value our close relationship with our servicemen and women, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families and recognise their extraordinary contribution to both the County and the UK.

"The raising of the Armed Forces Flag in Winchester is a display of our unwavering support for our whole Armed Forces family.

“Hampshire is home to over 20,000 serving sailors, soldiers, airmen and airwomen, together with the largest concentration of veterans in the UK. Our Armed Forces have always shown deep commitment to public service, often at great personal sacrifice - this is an opportunity for us to show our respect and appreciation.”

For more details on the County Council’s links with the Armed Forces, visit The Armed Forces Community page at www.hants.gov.uk