Royal British Legion raise the flag to commence armed forces week

Celebrations for Armed Forces Day were launched today with a flag-raising ceremony on Angel Hill.

The flag was raised with a service which saw Mayor of St Edmundsbury Margaret Marks, Reverend Canon Ian Finn and David Kemp, chairman of the Bury St Edmunds branch of the Royal British Legion attend.

Also in attendance were students from West Suffolk College as well as Andrew Speed, chairman of Bury St Edmunds Town Council.

David Kemp said: "Students from West Suffolk College often support us on these occasions."

Ruth Pusterla, event organiser, said that everyone was welcome to attend the annual event, and that the flag is flown all week to give recognition to the armed services that represent Bury St Edmunds.

During the short service there was a two minute silence, prayer and blessing by Rev. Canon Ian Finn.

Mayor Margaret Marks said: "This is a great event to remember people, people give their lives for us, it is a really important time to remember what they have done for us, this week we can remember the fallen."

The flag will be flown until the close of Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30.

There is a host of events planned including a sunset parade on Thursday, as well as a family fun day on Saturday in Angel Hill with activities including historic re-enactments, story telling, military vehicles, arts, crafts and live music.