a day ago
Hundreds come together to commemorate Armed Forces Day in Cumbria
People across the Border region have celebrated Armed Forces went along to an event at Carlisle Football Club's Fanzone at Brunton Park to see military vehicles from World War Two, and to enjoy performances of military music, parades and stalls.
Armed Forces Day is a chance to commemorate the links and extensive history that the military services have in our region.
Keith Richardson, from the Royal British Legion in Carlisle, said: "Armed Forces Day is very, very important to current service members, veterans and their families. And there's been an absolutely excellent turnout here. This is the first time that we've had so many forces charitable associations here, and they've all been networking with each other, which is great for the veterans community."
He said that it was particularly poignant to remember veterans because it is the 80th anniversary of VJ Day on August the 15th.
Cumbria has a strong affiliation with the local regiment and many of its serving soldiers were still fighting in the Far East during the second world war - even after Victory in Europe had been declared.
He said: "VJ day that's coming up shortly is very, very important for Cumberland because the the Kings own Border Regiment or the Border Regiment as they were, were still fighting in Japan.
"So the locals were still fighting in Japan until VJ day on the 15th of August. So it's very important that we still keep the traditions going and make people remember, because the British Legion and the other charities remember what has gone before us and try and help those that are struggling with any difficulties."
Elsewhere in the region, the Armed Forces Day flag has been flying on buildings such as in Coldstream where the British Army's oldest continuously serving regiment the Coldstream Guards, were formed in 1650.
Councillor John Greenwell, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans at Scottish Borders Council, said: "The Borders is steeped in military history. In Coldstream, we're about to have our Civic Week, which commemorates the Battle of Flodden, in 1513. We have the Coldstream Guards, the KOSB."
