33 pictures as flag raised for Armed Forces Day in Darlington

Individuals, schools, community groups and businesses were invited to take part in the annual event, which included a parade and Raising the Flag ceremony on Friday, June 26, ahead of Armed Forces Day on June 27.

Organised by Darlington Borough Council and 50 (N) Signal Squadron, the celebrations were led by the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Helen Crumbie, Deputy Lieutenant Commander Ian Berry and Brigadier Paul Baker.

A parade of representatives from the Armed Forces, military associations, veterans and civic guests left the Town Hall at 10.20am to make its way to the Market Square.

One image shows veterans and standard bearers leading the parade along the street, with serving personnel in camouflage uniforms marching in formation behind them, the Town Hall and mature trees framing the scene.

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Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Armed Forces Day in Darlington. (Image: Stuart Boulton)

Another captures a veteran in beret and blazer among a line of ex-service personnel, his expression solemn as standards and uniforms form a backdrop.

Once in position, an inspection of the parade was carried out by the Deputy Lieutenant, the Mayor and military officers.

The ceremony included the traditional flag-raising, speeches, the national anthem and a tribute to the fallen, with wreaths laid on the Bradford Stone in the Market Square.

The Commemorative Victoria Cross (VC) Stone for Lt Commander George Bradford was set in the Market Square.

Visitors were able to learn more about Lt Commander Bradford, ‘the Bradford Brothers’ and the Durham Light Infantry in Darlington Libraries Centre for Local Studies during the week of Armed Forces Day.

A commemorative ‘Darlington Armed Forces Day’ coin had also been minted and was presented to all veterans in attendance.

Several of the photographs show rows of veterans standing to attention inside the covered market, their jackets heavy with medals, alongside a distinctive figure in a bright red ceremonial coat.

Other shots capture handshakes and quiet conversations between decorated officers and veterans as the commemorative coins were handed out.

Mayor of Darlington Cllr Helen Crumbie said: “This event is a chance for us all to say thank you and show our support to those who make up our Armed Forces, as well as service families, veterans and cadets. ”

Local schoolchildren had been invited to take part in the celebrations, with primary schools entering a competition to design a poster for the event.