Press Release
Lerwick all set to celebrate the Armed Forces
Lerwick will start Scotland’s Armed Forces Day celebrations on 19 June 2010 and the whole town is invited.
The town is all set to ensure that military men, women and veterans get a very special day of celebrations on Saturday 19 June. This unique day is an opportunity for communities in and around Shetland to thank the Armed Forces, past and present, for their brave service, and recognise the contribution they have made to Scotland and the UK.
Starting at 12.30pm there will be a memorial service to be held at the War Memorial by the Town Hall to pay thanks to the fallen of previous conflicts.
There will then be a parade by Regular and Territorial Army Soldiers, Army Cadets and Veterans led by the Lerwick Brass Band leaving Fort Charlotte at 1:00pm. The route will be along Harbour Street, The Esplanade to the Market Cross before returning along Commercial Street to Fort Charlotte. This is a great opportunity for the residents of Lerwick to show their support for the Armed Forces by lining the streets and showing their appreciation.
At 1:30 pm there will be ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Flag at Fort Charlotte which will give 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) the opportunity to fire their guns from the fort which will be a spectacular event.
Convener Sandy Cluness of the Shetland Islands Council said “Lerwick is proud to be supporting Armed Forces Day. These men and women who serve do so with unstinting loyalty, astounding bravery and pure professionalism. I never tire of meeting these amazing people, young and old who thoroughly deserve to have a special day in their honour, I urge local people to come along to Fort Charlotte on Saturday to enjoy the activities and meet our troops and veterans - we can all learn a lot from their courage and determination
Lieutenant Colonel Chris Huthwaite Commanding Officer of 105th Regiment said:
“It is a real honour that the Shetland Islands Council are supporting 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) as the British Army’s most northerly Territorial Army Detachment to commemorate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 19 June 2010. We owe our existence in Lerwick since 2006, not only to the council, but to the islands community who make up the entire strength of G Troop; many of whom, support the Regiment’s training schedule to prepare Royal Artillery soldiers to deploy on operations to Afghanistan. The Shetland Armed Forces Day has been planned in collaboration with both the local Veterans Associations and the Army Cadet Force. It provides 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) an opportunity to thank the Shetland Islands Council, inform other residents of G Troop, whilst developing closer relationships local community.