Rayleigh and Wickford MP Mark Francois, demonstrated his support for our Armed Forces when he attended a special ceremony to raise the Armed Forces Day flag in Basildon Town Square, on Saturday June 24th.
The well-attended local event was one of hundreds held across the UK, to celebrate the role that our Armed Forces, their families, Veterans and Cadets, play in our national life and in keeping our country safe.
Mark, who served as an infantry officer in the Territorial Army during the Cold War, chatted to a variety of attendees, including military Veterans, cadets and currently serving soldiers from the local Royal Anglian Regiment. The flag raising, which was carried out by the Mayor of Basildon, Councillor Luke Mackenzie, was followed by a parade through the town and an inspection outside the Basildon Centre.
Commenting on Armed Forces Day 2023, Mark said:
“Armed Forces Day is an important event in the national calendar, when we salute the service of the wider Armed Forces family, from cadets through to Veterans, in supporting our country and keeping us safe. As a former serviceman, albeit a reservist, I was proud to take part in these important proceedings.”
