Wokingham

On Monday (June 22) Wokingham Borough Council showed its support and appreciation to the men and women from the Armed Forces, past and present, by raising a flag in their honour.

At a special ceremony Wokingham Borough’s Mayor Cllr Barrie Patman raised a special Armed Forces Day flag at the civic offices, Shute End, Wokingham, as the borough council joined town and parish councils in celebrating the first ever Armed Forces Day.

The Wokingham Mayor was joined in the celebrations by local dignitaries as well as serving armed forces personnel and local veterans. Following the flag raising, Captain Ian Robinson and Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment spoke about their tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2007.

Both talked openly about their time in Helmand province where the Battalion faced daily pressures from suicide bombers and attacks. During their time in Sangin in Helmand Province, the Battalion helped to reconstruct the town and assist the authorities to govern it by setting up health clinics and encouraging trade in the town’s shops. They also helped to open a school, which girls now attend allowing many of them to have an education for the first time.

Captain Robinson also talked about the bravery of the 600 soldiers from his Battalion who went to Afghanistan in 2007, some of whom were killed. Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves gave a first hand experience about his time in Afghanistan and talked frankly about how he was injured and how this affected his military life as well as his personal life.

Wokingham Cllr Barrie Patman, Mayor, said: “This day is about honouring the UK’s service personnel from current serving members of the armed forces to veterans. We are indebted to our armed forces for the services they provide in tremendously difficult conflicts such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We heard personal stories of what it’s like to serve your country in Afghanistan and the immense pressures our armed forces face on a daily basis. All of our Armed Forces personnel deserve the nation’s support and gratitude for the personal sacrifice they and their families have made in the past, or continue to make now in the interest of making our country safe. I hope that we will always celebrate this day and recognise our armed forces in this way."

Captain Ian Robinson said: “The Armed Forces have received fantastic support from the rest of society over the last few years. Days like this mean a great deal to those of us still serving as they give us the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support not only of us but also our families.”

Colour Sergeant Keith Nieves said: “I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to share my experiences with members of the public and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support.”

Wokingham Borough Council