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'Stop And Think' This Armed Forces Day, Says Lord Lieutenant

Susie Sheldon Lord Lieutenant

Islanders are being urged to "stop and think" today (Saturday) as the UK marks Armed Forces Day.

The event was set-up in 2006 to recognise veterans and those who are still serving in the armed forces to this date.

This year's usual ceremony in St Thomas' Square, Newport has been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Island's Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon says that should not stop us commemorating the occasion. She said:

"I think it's very important because sometimes we lose track of what our armed forces do for us.

"In times of war everybody knows what they do, but they do a lot of peace keeping for us, they step in in emergencies and are there to serve the community."

The Island's royal representative says the day is even more poignant this year because of the pandemic. She added:

"Let's just stop for a moment and just think about our armed forces and what they do for us.

"It's very relevant because we had the armed forces down here [on the Island] halfway through the crisis preparing extra beds in hospital should we need them and doing extra work to set things up."

The Union Jack flag has been flying high at County Hall, following a ceremony on Monday (22).

Mrs Sheldon says she too will raise her Lord Lieutenant's flag at home today in thanks to the armed forces across the country. 

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