Armed Forces Day happened in Newark in a covid-secure way
The standards of 12 military organisations marked Armed Forces Day on Saturday in Newark Market Place.
The event was downplayed this year due to coronavirus restrictions and not pre-publicised, but organisers went ahead because they didn't want the work of the Armed Forces, past and present to go unrecognised.
Veterans joined the standard bearers of the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, various military branch associations, and the sea and army cadets on and around the steps of the town hall.
There was no parade as traditionally happens, but the county council's Armed Forces Champion, Keith Girling gave a speech commending troops in harm's way.
Organiser Kevin Winter, standard bearer for the Newark branch of the Royal Naval Association, said people who happened to be in the market place stopped to take in the scene and broke into applause.
He said: "We hope to be next year with a parade."
Meanwhile, Johno Lee, elected to the county council for Balderton ward on May 6 this year, said he believed it was important during Armed Forces Week to reflect on the sacrifice of veterans and those still serving to ensure our safety.
The former soldier, who lost a leg in Afghanistan, said he was proud to have served and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
He was wounded in 2007 and, prior to that, had completed tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2006.
He lost friends and colleagues — both in action and consequentially from suicide upon their return from active duty.
After leaving the army, Mr Lee started a work placement as part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s social care and support services.
Planned to run for just six weeks, this role eventually lasted 18 months as he became deeply enthused by the beneficial role within the community.
Through his work as part of family intervention projects, he acquired a “real feel for Nottinghamshire’s young people services and the crucial role of foster care” in the region.
After initially electing to train as a social carer, Mr Lee then decided to enter local politics.
He has now been appointed a council Armed Forces Advocate; a role he says he was proud and privileged to hold.
Mr Girling said: "When anyone thinks about honouring the armed forces, most people think of Remembrance Sunday in honour of those who have given their lives and our veterans.
“Armed Forces Week is about saying thank you to all those who are serving now and risking their lives so that we may live in peace.
“This is a distinction which should be remembered, and we should be thankful that our service men and women are prepared to risk their lives for us."
