Troops have been 'taken for granted in the past': Tameside gear up in support for Armed Forces Day

By Ben Burrows

The armed forces ‘have been taken for granted in the past’ claims Tameside’s council leader, as they gear up for Armed Forces Day next weekend.

This year’s day will be on Saturday 30 June and Tameside will have its very own celebration at Victoria Park, Denton.

Council Leader Kieran Quinn is a vocal supporter of the ‘extra special’ event and is proud of the borough’s contribution to honouring the country’s servicemen and women.

“I believe that in the past we have taken our service personnel for granted,” he said.

“However, thanks to our involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan over the last 10 years, the British people are now more aware of what the services do – and the risks they take – than at any point since the Korean War of 1950-53.”

On the day people will have the chance to pay their respects to those who laid down their lives in conflicts going back to the start of the 20th century starting with a short service of remembrance at Denton War Memorial at 11am.

In the afternoon from 1pm onwards there will be a variety of family activities for all ages situated around the bandstand in Victoria Park.

“It promises to be the best one yet and I’d like to thank the Ministry of Defence for the sponsorship they’ve supplied,” he said.

“It will be an extra special day because my colleague, Cllr Gerald Cooney, will be signing the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of the people of Tameside.

“This is a public acknowledgement of our borough’s obligation to service people and their families and I’m proud the borough is making the commitment.”

A new feature this year is the digital project where pupils from New Charter Academy will be interviewing ex-servicemen as well as people who did their bit by working in vital industries like munitions.

“It’ll be a great day and everyone is welcome, so make sure you get involved and that you’re there to salute our Armed Forces.”

For more information on how you can get involved visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk

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