Britain’s soldiers and ex-servicemen were commemorated in a special ceremony outside the Town Hall in support of Armed Forces Day.
A flag was raised at 11am on Monday, June 23, by the Mayor of Luton, Councillor Farooq Mohammed, in recognition of the dedication the armed forces have shown the country.
The Rev Janet Mackenzie, together with the Mayor, conducted a poignant ceremony in front of civic dignitaries from the county, local councillors, and ex-service associations.
The Mayor said: “Armed Forces Day is a great opportunity to show our support to the nation’s serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“This event acknowledges our continued commitment in supporting local armed services men and woman, past and present, recognising the many sacrifices they have made.”
The flag will be raised until June 30 and the day was also an emotional time for those who shared personal connections with the armed forces.
Ex-serviceman, James Stevens, 83, said: “Today is for the days that people forget. The regiment was a community, it was our family, we all fought for each other.”
Bill Burton, 71, ex-serviceman said: “I lost a lot of friends fighting for our country, days like today are nice to remember those that are absent, the ones we must never forget.”
For more information visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk