Despite the rain, hundreds of people showed their support at a special flag raising ceremony on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day.
The event took place at Caerphilly County Borough Council’s headquarters Penallta House, and was led by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Mayor, Cllr Gaynor Oliver.
Guests were joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Mr John Child, together with representatives from the Royal British Legion as well as the Ystrad Mynach Air Cadets, Newport Sea Cadets and 1st Aber Valley Scouts.
St Martin’s School students Harry Nelms and Isobel Phillips also took part in the ceremony, by reading a poignant poem and a thank you letter to the Armed Forces community, and the 25-piece Oakdale Silver Band concluded proceedings with the national anthems.
Cllr Oliver said: “I am so pleased that so many people came along to show their support for the brave men and women who make up our Armed Forces community as we marked Armed Forces Day.”
The Royal British Legion in Gwent also launched their second annual Great Gwent Poppy Run on Saturday.
The challenging run will take place around the seven mile circular route of Cwmcarn Scenic Drive on Sunday November 4 2012.
To register to take part in the Great Gwent Poppy Run, please email greatgwentpoppyrun@britishlegion.org.uk or telephone 07875089933.
For more info on the event, please visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/greatgwentrun
It was a pleasure to attend the ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day. The proceedings went extremely well and everybody taking part done themselves proud.