Bolton pays tribute to our armed forces

Cllr Andy Morgan, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton South East, today welcomed Bolton Council’s efforts in marking Armed Forces and Veterans Week which runs from 20-28 June and aims to give respect and thanks to Britain’s armed forces of past, present and the future.

The weeks events started this mornng when the Armed Forces and Veterans Week flag was raised above the Town Hall.  The flag will remain flying for the remainder of the week.

Many other events will be held over the next week including Steven McLaughlin talking about his book “Squaddie: A Soldier’s Story”, a powerful autobiographical story at the Central Library on Thursday 25^th June (615-715).  His book takes the reader from his joining the army at 16, through basic training, to the grim reality of the frontline in Iraq.

In addition to celebrate mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June (previously named Veterans’ Day), the Mayor of Bolton will host a ticket only luncheon in the Albert Hall for veterans and serving Armed Forces personnel and a number of vintage cars will be on display on Victoria Square as well as other war memorabilia between 10am - 3pm. 

Bolton Artillery will be holding a collection for Christmas boxes to send to the armed forces serving in Afghanistan and are asking the public to bring non-perishable items such as toothpaste, soap, flannels and socks to the Bolton Artillery Gazebo which will be in Victoria Square between 10am – 3pm.

Throughout the week, people will also be able to visit a display in Bolton Library about Boltonians involved in wars from Victorian times to the present day, which runs until the end of July.

Commenting Andy said “As an ex soldier I know just how much it means to serving soldiers that their home towns and the country are thinking of them whilst they are carrying out their many varied duties.  A national celebration of this kind is long overdue and I urge all Bolton residents to get behind the celebrations”.