20 Jun 2012 Last updated at 00:00

New venue for flag raising ceremony

Island dignitaries will join together at 10am on Monday 25 June for a flag raising ceremony to honour the armed forces.

In a change from previous years, the specially commissioned Armed Forces Day flag will be hoisted in Sts Thomas’ Square rather than at County Hall, to make it more accessible for people to attend the ceremony.
 
A temporary flag pole will be placed in the square for the duration of the ceremony, then the flag will be moved and flown from one of the permanent flag poles on the roof of County Hall.
 
In the square, the flag will be hoisted by a member of the armed forces on behalf of the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Susan Scoccia, following prayers led by Reverend Kevin Arkell.
 
The chairman of the council will be joined by dignitaries, along with representatives from the Royal British Legion, and council officials. 

'Recognising the work of our armed forces'
 
Councillor Susan Scoccia, chairman of the council, said: “The flag raising ceremony is about recognising the work of our armed forces and showing the Island’s support for the military community, both serving and retired. Anyone is welcome to join us in Sts Thomas’ Square on Monday for the short ceremony.”
 
Armed Forces Day is a national event to celebrate the work of the armed forces. This year it takes place on Saturday 30 June. Here on the Island, Armed Forces Day is being celebrated at an event in Appley park and beach on Saturday 23 June.

Flag specially commissioned for Armed Forces Day
Flag specially commissioned for Armed Forces Day
Factfile
  • Armed Forces Day aims to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces.
 
Isle of Wight