VETERANS across Fenland joined in flag raising ceremonies on Monday morning to start the celebrations for National Armed Forces Day. At Fenland Hall in March, nearly 100 veterans took part in a moving Fly the Flag ceremony to honour the part they played

VETERANS across Fenland joined in flag raising ceremonies on Monday morning to start the celebrations for National Armed Forces Day.

At Fenland Hall in March, nearly 100 veterans took part in a moving "Fly the Flag" ceremony to honour the part they played in Britain's forces.

And at Wisbech the commemorative flag was raised above the council chamber before around a dozen veterans were presented with badges and a special certificate by the Mayor.

At the headquarters of Fenland District Council, a special flag was hoisted, timed to coincide with flag raising ceremonies all around the country.

Two pipers from the Peterborough Highland Band then led a procession to St John's Church. During a service of thanksgiving led by Canon Peter Baxendale, badges were presented to 95 veterans by Freddie Grounds, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, and Lady De Ramsey, the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire.

Councillor Ralph Butcher, chairman of Fenland District Council, which organised the event said: "It is vitally important that we recognise what our service personnel, men and women, have done and the contribution they have made to our national life."

Also at the ceremony were members of the Royal British Legion, standard bearers from ex-service associations, and cadets who formed a guard of honour.

The Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Mrs Yvonne Lawrence said: "To take this opportunity to honour past and present members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces, their families and cadets, was very important."

A small group of cadets joined in the flag raising ceremony in Wisbech, with a drummer from the air cadets accompanying the flag hoisting, performed by Col Derrick Buckenham.