Serving troops, reservists, cadets and veterans were among those parading through Newbridge on Saturday June 20 to mark Armed Forces Day.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s annual event saw local boy, Sgt Shane Davies of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh, lead the parade through the town greeted by hundreds of residents waving flags and clapping as they marched to the drum beat of Newbridge band.
The formal ceremony saw local reverend Father Martyn open proceedings with a prayer followed by the Deputy Lieutenant of Gwent, Mrs Fiona Peel and Newbridge School pupils Eve Tranter and Lewis Ryan reading emotive poetry.
Guests were invited to lay a wreath before the last post was played during the flag raising ceremony and the Standards were raised.
Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr Leon Gardiner, said: “It was a fantastic day and I am so pleased that people turned out to show their support for the people who make up the Armed Forces. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved and long may this important event continue to grow in popularity.”
Now that IS worth Closing Roads for.
Be careful Jeff, the deluded might say that the road is closed for the council to make money!
In seriousness it is wonderful to see a military parade. The armed forces have suffered terrible cuts in both budget and manpower. It is very easy for the government to forget that the security of the nation is the number one priority for them. I don’t forget the debt we all owe to our forces and wish we spent more on defence and a lot less on foreign aid and European projects.
Richard; and you will remember, because you very vocally opposed the Council at the time, that a particular political group, not too long ago, wanted to make a charge for poppy day parades on rememberance Sundays in towns throughout Caerphilly. Now, THAT WAS a move for the Council to make money. It was at a time when some Councillors were `thinking out of the box` very dangerous!!!!!
As I remeber this a charge for `road closures` in those town which help parades? Correct?.
Yes, there was an idea to charge for road closures on remembrance Sunday some years ago. An idea totally without merit and out of step with the opinion of most residents. Needless to say the idea was short lived.
I wish I didn’t have to work so much as I would of gone. I’ve never served but I sleep sound every night because they do and I appreciate that.
Was collecting for the poppy appeal when I was a kid and I asked one guy to donate and he said he didn’t support military organisations. That’s funny I thought, you seem to be walking around freely enough because of them.
Another good reason to close the roads, I agree.