Date: 23/06/2009
High Peak Borough Council was flying the flag for our armed forces on Monday 22 June.
Mayor and Mayoress Tony and Mary Bingham were joined by other community leaders to witness the raising of a specially modified version of the Union Flag as part of a nationwide show of solidarity with the military.
The raising of the flag at the council's offices in Hayfield Road, Chinley was performed by Mr Derek Pearson, a member of the Chapel-en-le-Frith branch of the Royal British Legion. A veteran of campaigns in Korea and the Middle East, Mr Pearson was accompanied by guests including Army Cadets and Royal British Legion standard bearer Steve Hampson. Mr Hampson served nine years in the Army, including tours of duty in Northern Ireland.
Identical flags will fly outside Glossop and Buxton Town Halls as a prelude to the first ever British Armed Forces Day, taking place on Saturday to promote understanding of the crucial role played by the armed forces in defending the nation, its people and interests.
The flag-raising events were among numerous taking place nationwide, taking their lead from a ceremony at the Historic Dockyard, at Chatham, Kent.
Said Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup: "Our armed forces perform superbly in the service of the nation, from war fighting to humanitarian relief, from peacekeeping to search and rescue, and much else besides. And sometimes, alas, they pay the ultimate price.
"Regulars, reservists and their families have more than earned the nation's gratitude", he paid tribute.