THOUSANDS gathered on the streets of Workington this weekend, to pay tribute to service men and veterans from around the town as they celebrated Armed Forces Day in the town.
The parade formed on Pow Street on Saturday. Lesley Jackson, from the Armed Forces Day Committee said: “Armed Forces Day is celebrated because we are proud of our lads and lasses who serve in forces, it is an opportunity for everyone to come together to meet and make friends.
“Armed Forces Day showcases the gratitude of our nation to those giving up so much to protect it.
"We take this time to reflect on the sacrifices our Armed Forces Community makes to defend our freedoms and uphold our values.
“So, as we bid farewell to this year’s Armed Forces Day, we want to say thank you.
"Whether you attended a local or national event or simply followed our updates online, thank you for your continued support to Armed Forces Day and for your ongoing support to HM Armed Forces throughout the year.
“We are very grateful for all the local support from businesses who donated some fantastic prizes and the town council for a donation, we are always pleased to receive donations to raise some money to cover the costs of an expensive but very worthwhile day.”
The Armed Forces Day team are now busy preparing for next year's event which will be held in the town on June 29, 2024.
Workington MP Mark Jenkinson said: “It was an honour, once again, to attend Workington’s Armed Forces Day parade - the last one marshalled by Sgt Ross Murphy MBE as he moves on from his role.
“The town never lets us down when it comes to turning out to support our armed forces, and thanks must go to the organising committee - all volunteers who give their time freely throughout the year not just to organise this one day, but throughout the year raising the funds to pay for it.”
The parade included members of the Duke of Lancs association, Royal Dragoon Guards, Royal Engineers, Raf Association, also veterans from the Royal Navy, Green Jackets, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Corps of Transport, R.E.M.E. Sea, Army & Air Cadets Members of the Royal British Legion & the Women's section, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Debbie Keighley, Workington Town Mayor and councillors, and Mark Jenkinson MP.
This year’s parade was led by The Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band R.B.L.S.
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