Armed Forces Day 2024

On Monday 24 June, Stratford-on-Avon District Council will be raising the flag for Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day is an annual event and takes place on the last Saturday each June, falling this year on 29 June.  Armed Forces Day gives communities the opportunity to show their support for the men and women of the Armed Forces including currently serving troops, service families, reservists, veterans and cadets. 

It also marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning on Monday 24 June, when the public show their support and appreciation for the Armed Forces community. It also includes Reserves Day (26 June), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.

The District Council supports Armed Forces personnel all year round through an Armed Forces Community Covenant. The Covenant is a pledge to ensure that those who serve or who have served their country in the armed forces - and their families - should be treated with respect and fairness.

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Armed Forces Day is important to show support for those who have served and continue to serve, and we'll be flying the Armed Forces flag throughout the week of Armed Forces Day.

"The Council continues to show its support for service men and women through the Armed Forces Community Covenant, which provides services and assistance to armed forces personnel past and present, and their families."

Find out about the Armed Forces Covenant in Warwickshire and the support available.

In Stratford District, special consideration is given to certain serving members and former serving members of the armed forces and reservists and also to spouses in specific situations when applying for social housing opportunities within Stratford-on-Avon District through Home Choice Plus.

The District Council has also recently been awarded the Bronze Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The ERS encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

As well as supporting armed forces, signing the Armed Forces Covenant and promoting being armed forces-friendly, it also means the District Council is open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

David Buckland, Chief Executive of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "It is important that we look after members of the armed forces community and we are pleased to have received this award and would encourage other local businesses and organisations to learn more about the Employer Recognition Scheme."

The scheme encompasses bronze, silver, and gold awards for employer organisations that pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

The District Council will now be working towards the Silver Award.