Armed Forces honoured in service

Organised by the Borough Council in partnership with the Hinckley combined Armed Forces and Veterans Community and Churches together with the Hinckley Combined Ex-service Association, the event included representatives from several regiments, nationalities, sections and services, including the local cadet forces.

Now in its 14th year, Armed Forces Day offers everyone a chance to thank the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets. 

A procession marched down Castle Street and into Argents Mead for a service led by Reverend Ian Hill from Churches Together. Afterwards the parade then made its way down Castle Street and along Station Road where a formal salute was taken.  

This year’s event also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War. Lasting 74 days, the Falklands War was the first military action since the Second World War that utilised all elements of the Armed Forces, with 255 British personnel losing their lives.

A variety of military vehicles and memorabilia were on display in Argents Mead for visitors to view, kindly supplied by Charnwood MVT (Affiliated to the Military Vehicle Trust) and their members. A walk about ‘Captain Mainwaring’ was also in Argents Mead offering balloon modelling.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champions, Councillor Danny Findlay and Councillor Russell Roberts said:

This year as ever, offered an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms that we enjoy today and to recognise the ongoing service that our Armed Forces undertake.

The backdrop of Armed Forces Day 2022 was also significant as it acknowledges the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict.

In addition as well as more recent events such as servicemen and women supporting the national pandemic effort and now increased military deployments to Europe in the face of ongoing global security concerns. This of course is even more poignant given the sacrifices being endured by the military personnel and people of Ukraine and to those supporting them.

Armed Forces Day is both an opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration for the steadfast service that our serving, reserves and veterans have given. The event enables us to include the wider armed forces family such as those Cadet Forces, servicemen and women's families and civilian support personnel.

Our thanks to everyone involved in making this event happen and all who supported the event.