| Saturday was Armed Forces Day, and I was pleased to attend this year’s Armed Forces Day Service at Our Lady and St Nicholas Parish Church. It is an important opportunity to show our gratitude to both our serving men and women and our veterans for keeping us safe and their service on the front line.
This past year that front line has been closer to home, where they have made a difference in helping to manage the pandemic response across the country. This was recognised in the service itself. The part they have played in delivering PPE across the NHS and care facilities, as well as providing COVID testing and supporting Nightingale hospitals, is to their credit and to be applauded.
There is a proud tradition of service locally, with thousands of men and women from across the community serving in the Armed Forces around the world. Many of these were veterans in the two world wards and, later, in Korea, the Falklands, Afghanistan, Iraq and other theatres of conflict. They each deserve our thanks for the sacrifices they have made not just on the battlefield but in time away from their families and loved ones. Those who stand behind our armed forces also deserve our thanks.
I’d like to thank our current Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Speke Councillor Mary Rasmussen for her kind invitation. As with many events this year, the service was limited in capacity due to COVID. It was streamed live and I hope many of you were able to join in virtually. |
