WEYMOUTH and Portland is gearing up to honour those who give their lives for their country in a week of military and veterans commemoration and celebration events.

The borough has a proud tradition of supporting the armed forces events have been lined up this month.

While Armed Forces Day is marked in the UK on Saturday, June 27, proceedings in Weymouth start the weekend before when there is a historic military vehicle display and convoy, a flypast and beach re-enactment display on Saturday, June 20. The following day sees an open air church service and veterans parade along the seafront, led by HM Royal Marines Band.

There will be a host of displays and information available during the week as well as bands and performances.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has given £10,000 towards the Weymouth and Portland Armed Forces Day Celebrations.

The festival has generated a considerable annual economic boost for the borough since it was established in 1996 and this year’s event will welcome more than 1,500 veterans and their families.

Meanwhile, a flag raising ceremony will be held as part of the national ‘Fly a Flag for our Armed Forces’ day.

It will be held at the Weymouth and Portland Borough Council North Quay council offices on Monday, June 22 at 10.30am and residents are invited to attend.

Mayor Christine James will lead the ceremony, joined by representatives from local armed forces and veterans, standard bearers, the Military Vehicle Trust and council staff.

Cllr James said: “The borough organises many civic events to commemorate and reinforce our links with the armed forces. This flag raising ceremony is an important token of our appreciation.

“We continue to develop links with many local veterans and associations throughout the country and abroad. We would like to express our thanks for the passion and enthusiasm of these many groups and individuals.”

The Ministry of Defence is inviting all communities across the UK to be involved and inviting all local authorities to join in by simultaneously “Flying the Flag” at 10.30am on Monday, June 22.

It is intended that this ceremony will be repeated across the country and that the flags will be flown until after Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27.