On the stroke of 10.30am on Monday, dignitaries, including Peterborough mayor Irene Walsh, veterans and residents gathered outside the Town Hall, watching solemnly as the Union Flag – adapted to contain the words Armed Forces Day – was hoisted above the building in Bridge Street.

The flag-raising ceremony, which followed a special service, coincided with others around the UK – the simultaneous events marking the start of a week-long build up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday (27 June), recognising the efforts of soldiers serving in war zones today, while remembering those who were involved in conflicts throughout history.

In nearby March, Fenland District Council also marked the event, with a special flag raised above Fenland Hall.

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This was followed by the presentation of the HM Armed Forces Veterans Badge to people of all generations who have served in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force.

The ceremony was designed to pay tribute to all members of the armed forces who have served the nation, not only on the battlefield, but also in peacekeeping and humanitarian work and in emergency operations.

Secretary of the Whittlesey branch of the Royal British Legion Wally Newman said: "This is a tremendous occasion that will do a lot to help people understand and appreciate the crucial role that those who serve in the forces play in our national life.

"We owe them our gratitude, and events such as this demonstrate that their courage is not forgotten."

The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire led Cambridgeshire County Council's celebrations.

Hugh Duberly joined East of England Minister Barbara Follett MP, county council chairman Tony Orgee, chief executive Mark Lloyd and representatives of the armed forces from across Cambridgeshire for a flag-raising ceremony outside Shire Hall, in Cambridge.

The special flag was raised on the flagpole to a fanfare from the Minden Band.

Cadets from Kimbolton School then presented arms to the Lord Lieutenant, followed by a ripple fire.

At the end of the ceremony, the RAF performed a flypast of three Grob Tutor training aircraft, which circled the sky above Shire Hall.

The flag was also lifted above Stamford Town Hall in a moving ceremony, and the Union Flag also flew from Bourne Town Hall.

Armed Forces Day service
There will be a service on Armed Forces Day (Saturday, 27 June) at St John's Church, in Cathedral Square, Peterborough, starting at 4pm, which all residents are invited to attend.

The City of Peterborough Concert Band will perform during the two-hour celebration, but organisers are still looking for a choir to perform at the service.

Any choir which wishes to perform at the Peterborough service should call George Bennett on 01733 570808, or e-mail him at georgebennett1@ntlworld.com.