St Helena : St Helena Celebrates Armed Forces Day
Submitted by Saint Helena Herald (Public Relations Information Office) 30.06.2010 (Article Archived on 14.07.2010)
In spite of the overcast weather conditions, approximately 85 people attended the “Raising the Flag for our Armed Forces” ceremony which was held in front of the Court House in Jamestown on Saturday, 26th June.
Armed Forces Day
In spite of the overcast weather conditions, approximately 85 people attended the “Raising the Flag for our Armed Forces” ceremony which was held in front of the Court House in Jamestown on Saturday, 26th June.
On parade was a small group of ex servicemen, including Lance Sergeant Julian Fagan who has recently returned to the island. There were also family members representing loved ones currently serving in the Armed Forces, Councillors and Heads of Department, other Government officials, visitors to the island, members of the general public and a contingent of Scouts and Girl Guides.
Following His Excellency Governor Gurr and Mrs Gurr’s arrival, members of the Gettogether’s Orchestra combined with the Salvation Army band, Mrs Ivy Ellick from the Ladies Orchestra and Pastor Graham Beckett of the Baptist Church, opened the ceremony with the first six bars of the National Anthem.
The Governor then addressed the parade paying tribute to the brave men and women serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, especially those from St Helena. He spoke of the role they played in trying to ensure world peace and stability, the comradeship and sometimes loneliness experienced by those serving abroad and the support given by family and friends. Governor Gurr was also pleased to welcome Lance Sergeant Julian Fagan who has been in active service in Bosnia, Croatia and Northern Island, has served with the United Nations Forces in Cyprus, served in the Falkland Islands and more recently has worked in Whitehall in London.
At the end of the Governor’s speech, the Rt Rev Lord Bishop John Salt OGS prayed for the brave men and women serving around the world following which, he blessed the Flag. Accompanied by the brass band, those gathered on parade then joined in the singing of Onward Christian Soldiers.
In a downpour of rain, at approximately 10.30am, Lance Sergeant Fagan then raised the Flag while Scout leader/bugler Dax Richards, from the First Jamestown Troop of Scouts, blew the salute. This was followed with the singing of the National Anthem and the ceremony concluded with a blessing by Bishop John.
Public Relations/Information Office
Office of the Chief Secretary
29 June 2010
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