May I utilise the columns of the Cornish and Devon Post to draw the attention of your readers to the fact that the government has announced that the first 'Armed Forces Day' will take place on Saturday, June 27. However as a precursor to that event Monday, June 22 has been designated as the date of a national initiative to 'Fly the Flag for our Armed Forces'.

On that day, at 10.30am a national flag will be raised at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham and, at the same time, numerous towns throughout the entire country will also raise the specially designed flag which commemorates the event and which is intended to be flown until the June 27.

The Town Council are proud that Launceston is one of the seven towns in this county to be selected to join in this act of public recognition to all members of our Armed Forces. To ensure the event is properly organised I am, on behalf of the council, currently engaged with representatives from all local veteran forces organisations in making the necessary arrangements. Although these are not yet completed I can inform your readers that the actual flag raising will be at Launceston Castle which we are all agreed is the most fitting venue for the event and for which we have been granted the necessary permission.

Despite the considerable and much-valued involvement of representatives of all the various veterans organisations I must emphasise the event is not designed just for members of the Armed Forces ­– both past and present – but is one in which everyone, young and old, service personnel and civilian alike, may by their presence honour the men and women who are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

To that end I would ask as many are as able to attend the Castle grounds at 10.15am on Monday, June 22 in preparation for the raising of the flag for our Armed Forces, which will take place at 10.30am.

Mayor, Launceston.