Published on:
25
May 2015
The people of Clackmannanshire are being asked to show their support for the extraordinary men and women in the county who have made an outstanding contribution to society by serving in the armed forces.
RBLS Clackmannanshire and District, Army, Air Cadets and Veterans will parade through Alloa Town Centre led by Dollar Academy Pipes and Drums to mark Armed Forces Day.
The parade, which takes place on the morning of Wednesday 3rd June, will also include the Armed Forces Day Flag being raised at Alloa Town Hall. This event takes place every year to celebrate the UK's Armed Forces - past, present and future.
Clackmannanshire is one of hundreds of Councils across the country who are taking part in official celebrations in honour of our Armed Forces.
The parade, which will begin at 10am in Drysdale Street, will involve over 100 local Army and Air cadets of the 383 Squadron of the Air Training Corps and Cadets of the Clackmannan Company of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Dollar Combined Cadet Force, as well as veterans and members of the Royal British Legion of Scotland Clackmannanshire and District. The parade will also include Dollar Pipes and Drums and the Royal Regiment of Scotland's mascot, Cruachan IV, a three-year-old Shetland pony.
The parade will be led along Drysdale Street by Dollar Academy Pipes and Drums, halting at the top of High Street for a musical performance. The parade will then march to Alloa Town Hall, where they will form up for inspection. The flag will be then be raised by the Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col (Retd) Johnny Stewart, and the Provost of Clackmannanshire Councillor Tina Murphy.
The parade and Flag Raising Ceremony will be followed by a civic reception for invited guests in Alloa Town Hall.
Lord-Lieutenant, Lt Col (Retd) Johnny Stewart said: "I am so pleased that we have been able to move the date of the County's day of support for our armed forces. The Parade has been poorly attended in the past because it was in the school holidays but in early June I hope for a good turnout. It is an excellent opportunity for us all to show our recognition and give thanks for all our Armed Forces do to maintain our security and freedom".
Provost Tina Murphy said: "Our Armed Forces make huge personal sacrifices to defend the UK and their efforts deserve support and recognition. That is why I am proud that Clackmannanshire is demonstrating our debt of gratitude by holding this celebration which is an opportunity for local people to thank all those working within our Armed Forces.
"It is important that we remember the men and women of our armed services who put their lives at risk, all over the world, for the sake of the nation."
Armed Forces Day was held for the first time in 2009. The cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world and has a strong membership in Clackmannanshire with Army Cadet Force (ACF) sections in Alloa, Alva, Clackmannan, Tullibody and Tillicoultry and the 383 Squadron, Air Training Corps based in Alloa. Dollar Academy have a thriving Combined Cadet Force.