Week of online activities to mark Wakefield Armed Forces Day
A
week of online activities are taking place this week to highlight the amazing
contribution of the district’s armed forces personnel.
At
this time of year the district would normally be gearing up for Wakefield Armed
Forces Day which traditionally takes places on the last weekend in June.
Due
to the coronavirus pandemic it’s not possible for the event to take place and
so the Council is marking the event with activities – such as games and quizzes
for families online, which celebrate the dedication of those, past and present,
who have served their country.
The
Armed Forces Flag is flying from Wakefield Town Hall this week to formally mark
the occasion and what it means to the district.
Cllr
Sandra Pickin, Wakefield Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “By flying the
Armed Forces Flag we want to show our support and appreciation to all those who
have served, or are currently serving in the forces, and to their families.
Their contribution means a great deal, and I am pleased we are celebrating in a
different, but no less important way.”
“Although
we cannot celebrate this important and very popular event in the usual way, I
hope people will stop and think about the amazing work of our armed forces and
all that they contribute, whilst enjoying the activities on social media all
this week.”
Wakefield’s
Mayor Cllr Charles Keith, said: “It is unfortunate that with the lockdown still
in place we were unable to celebrate and pay tribute to, our Armed Forces, in
the usual way as we do annually within the district. It is particularly
significant as on the Thursday of Armed Forces week we commemorate the 70th
anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, which is often called the
forgotten war.”
Cllr
Keith will be laying a wreath at the war memorial in Wood St on Thursday to
remember those who fought and sacrificed. He is recording a tribute to appear
on the Council’s website.
During
this week’s online events, the Council is encouraging people to share their own
memories of Wakefield events and to join in with the activities for the whole
family including quizzes, how to make things, and links to the national virtual
experience.
Find
out about all the activities on the Wakefield Armed Forces Day Facebook page at
www.facebook.com/WakefieldArmedForcesDay