Military personnel, civic dignitaries and community leaders gathered at County Hall in Oxford today (22 June) as Oxfordshire County Council marked Armed Forces Day with a ceremonial flag raising ahead of national celebrations later this week.
The event featured a parade by military personnel from RAF Brize Norton and brought together representatives from across Oxfordshire’s military and civic communities.
Among those attending were Wing Commander Alice Tierney from RAF Benson, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Marjorie Glasgow BEM, Vice-Chair of Oxfordshire County Council Councillor Roz Smith, and the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Jawaid Malik.
The ceremony forms part of Armed Forces Day commemorations taking place across the United Kingdom, recognising the contribution of serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadets and military families.
Addressing those gathered, Councillor Roz Smith highlighted Oxfordshire’s deep and longstanding connection with the Armed Forces, noting that similar events would be taking place in communities across the country throughout the week.
She said: “We pay respect to the achievements and sacrifices of those who serve, or have served, in His Majesty’s Armed Forces.”
Oxfordshire remains one of the UK’s most significant military counties, with more than 25,000 military personnel and an estimated 3,500 military families living and working across the county.
Around two-thirds of serving personnel in Oxfordshire are members of the Royal Air Force, reflecting the importance of major RAF bases including RAF Brize Norton and RAF Benson.
Councillor Smith also highlighted the county council’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community through the Armed Forces Covenant. Oxfordshire County Council currently has six Armed Forces champions who work with military personnel and their families to help address challenges they may face in everyday life.
The council has also welcomed the Government’s strengthened statutory duty under the Armed Forces Covenant, which aims to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and their families are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged when accessing public services.
According to the council, more than 10,000 organisations across Oxfordshire are committed to improving the lives of service personnel and military families through their support of the covenant.
Closing her speech, Councillor Smith expressed gratitude on behalf of the county council to members of the Armed Forces community both at home and overseas.
“On behalf of Oxfordshire County Council I would like to express our admiration and gratitude to all military personnel and families here in Oxfordshire and to those currently serving abroad,” she said.
Armed Forces Day will be celebrated nationally on Saturday, providing an opportunity for communities across the country to recognise and thank the men and women who serve, or have served, in the UK’s Armed Forces.
