FENLAND is set to stage a moving ceremony next month to honour the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in both war and peace. All veterans are being invited to the Fly a Flag for our Armed Forces event, which is being staged by Fenland Dis

FENLAND is set to stage a moving ceremony next month to honour the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in both war and peace.

All veterans are being invited to the "Fly a Flag for our Armed Forces" event, which is being staged by Fenland District Council on Monday, June 22.

A special flag will be raised at Fenland Hall at 10.30am on that day to coincide with the raising of the national flag at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. This will be 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 is 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 such as search and rescue. Other events are being staged all over the country throughout that week, culminating in Armed Forces Day on June 27

Wally Newman, secretary of the Whittlesey branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "This will be 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 like this demonstrate that their courage is not forgotten."

The presentation of the badges at Fenland Hall is certain to be a poignant occasion. Any veterans who want to take part must register their names with the council as soon as possible - and by May 29 at the latest. This is to ensure that the correct number of badges can be ordered from the Veterans Agency.

The event will be an opportunity for veterans to apply for their badge and have them presented at a formal ceremony. Anyone who already has the badge but not had it formally presented should also contact the council in advance to ensure that it can be handed over on the day.

• Any veterans who want to take part in the ceremony on June 22 must telephone Sharon Smith at Fenland District Council on 01354 622281.

• When calling, they should have to hand the following details:

• Their National Insurance number

• The service and the unit, regiment or squadron in which they served

• Their service number

• The dates they served.

• Calls should be made Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.