New flag flies to honour forces

A new flag will be raised over Oldham on Monday ready to celebrate the first Armed Forces Day on June 27.

The new event is also shared with Veteran’s Day, which has run since 2006 and was chosen to coincide with the day the first Victoria Cross was awarded in 1857.

The flag will be raised at Oldham’s war memorial on Monday and flags will also fly at the civic centre and all six district centres from Monday for a week.

It starts a week of national celebrations of the armed forces.

Councillor Howard Sykes, leader of the council, said: “Raising the flag will herald a week of celebrations in honour of the men and women who make up our armed forces and the contributions that they make at home and overseas.

“I am delighted that Armed Forces Day has been made a regular national event and appreciate the opportunity to show support to all those past, present and future who make our armed forces the envy of the world.

“I would also like to invite all citizens who have been, are now or are in the process of becoming members of the armed forces to come along and participate in this ceremony.”