Armed Forces Day celebration

Veterans and cadets from across local communities paraded from Duke Street to Macclesfield Market Place last Saturday (29th June) to mark Armed Forces Day 2019.

The salute was taken from Macclesfield Town Hall by local Lynx helicopter pilot, Major J P Morton-Race AAC, of the Royal Air Force’s 22 Group – in the company of local MP, David Rutley and the Deputy Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake.

After the parade, a short service of thanksgiving and minute’s silence, enabled those present to reflect on the remarkable sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflicts past – and the commitment and bravery of Armed Forces personnel today.

Entertainment was provided by local military bands, school choirs, and dance groups and food stalls, a number of vintage military and emergency service vehicles were on display. The event was brought to a close by a spectacular fly-past, featuring a Typhoon jet and a Chinook helicopter.

The event was once again organised by the Macclesfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), with the support of other local organisations that work to assist Armed Forces members and veterans. These include: Age UK Cheshire East; Macclesfield Armed Forces Breakfast Club; the Veterans Hearing Fund; the Army Families Federation; and St John Ambulance.