A ceremony was held in Helston today, home town of RNAS Culdrose, as part of the Armed Forces Day 2023 flag relay.
RNAS Culdrose’s youngest sailor, 18-year-old Able Rating Jay Theobald, handed a flag to town mayor Councillor Tim Grattan-Kane.
Also in attendance was Cornwall Deputy Lord Lieutenant Kate Holborow and the commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose Captain Stuart Irwin.
Representing the military was a guard of Royal Navy sailors from RNAS Culdrose, RAF Wing Commander Phillip Cooper and buglers of The Salamanca Band of the British Army’s 6th Rifles, who travelled from Exeter for the event.
There was music from HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band and Culdrose Military Wives Choir as well as representatives of Helston Town Council, Cornwall Council and Royal British Legion veterans, who gathered for the event in front of the Grylls Monument in Coingeahall Street.
Deputy Lord Lieutenant Kate Holborow said: “I am really pleased the Armed Forces Day national event is taking place in Cornwall, in less than 60 days’ time. It is worth remembering the armed forces community is a very large one, consisting of not only the regular forces but also the reserves, cadets and all their families, as well as the veterans.
“As such, the armed forces in Cornwall have a very close and historic relationship. The national event will give the people of Cornwall and public as a whole the chance to thank the armed forces for their tireless work in keeping the country safe.”
Captain Stuart Irwin added: “The armed forces is so much more than those us who wear uniform.
"We comprise many brilliant civil servants and many civilian partners who work with us daily to deliver the collective defence endeavour. We call that collection of people the whole force.
"And while our families don’t wear uniform, they undoubtedly endure some of the hardships that serving in the military entails.
“Thank you Cornwall for caring enough to bid for hosting Armed Forces Day and we will work closely with you to make it a success.”
Ten locations across Cornwall, including Helston, will fly the Armed Forces Day flag in the run up to events for Armed Forces Day in Falmouth on Saturday June 24, with more events on Sunday, June 25.
The remainder of the route will be:
Land’s End - Land’s End Landmark: 11am on Tuesday, May 23
Launceston - Town Square: 10.30am on Friday, June 2
Newquay - RAF St Mawgan: 2pm on Monday, June 5
Penzance - St John’s Hall: 11am on Monday, June 12
Torpoint - HMS Raleigh: 10am on Friday, June 16
Falmouth - Gyllyngvase Beach (flag raising): 9.45am on Monday, June 19
Truro - The Army Reserve Centre: 11am on Wednesday, June 21
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