Published on:
12
May 2016
Everyone in Clackmannanshire is encouraged to turn out on 1st June and show their support for the 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, Girl Guides and Veterans will parade through Alloa Town Centre led by Dollar Academy Pipe Band to mark Armed Forces Day.
The parade, which takes place on the morning of Wednesday 1st 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. This year's theme is to 'Salute Our Forces for all that they do'.
Clackmannanshire is one of many Councils across the country who are taking part in 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 and Girl Guiding. The parade will also include Dollar Academy Pipe Band and the Royal Regiment of Scotland's mascot, Lance Corporal Cruachan IV, a three-year-old Shetland pony and his predecessor Cruachan III.
The parade will be led along Drysdale Street by Dollar Academy Pipe Band, 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 then be raised by the Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets. 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: "2015 was the first year that we brought forward the date of our Armed Forces Parade into the school term and we had a marvellous turnout of reserves and all the youth groups. This Parade and Remembrance Sunday are the two days in the year when we can remember those who have laid down their lives or are veterans of former conflict and we can show our support for our current Armed Forces who work so hard to keep us safe. I hope for a warm sunny day and a good turnout."
Provost Tina Murphy said: "Last year many of our citizens turned out to see the fantastic parade and to support our Armed Forces. This year, I'd like to encourage as many of the people of Clackmannanshire as possible to come along to see the parade and salute our Forces for their service.
"This event is a way for all of us to show how grateful we are to our service men and women, both past and serving, for all the sacrifices they have made on our behalf. They deserve our support and recognition, and I look forward to seeing a great turnout for this Clackmannanshire event."
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 has a thriving Combined Cadet Force.