Rayleigh and Wickford MP and Thames Gateway Minister, Mark Francois, showed his support for the Armed Forces when he attended the Basildon Borough Council Armed Forces Day event in Basildon Town Centre, on the 27th June.
A parade of Cadets, Veterans and other uniformed youth organisations (including the Cubs and Scouts) took place through Basildon Town Centre and then formed up opposite the Basildon Centre and the Towngate Theatre, where the parade was then inspected by the Mayor of Basildon Councillor, Don Morris, Mark and Flight Lieutenant Bliss on behalf of the Armed Forces.
There was a good turn out by members of the public, who witnessed the Armed Forces flag being raised by two young Air Cadets to fly proudly above the Basildon Centre.
When Mark addressed the crowd he stressed that we should never take living in a free country for granted and invited those present to give a loud round of applause for all of those serving in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, both past and present.
Commenting on the event Mark Francois said:
"My father was a D-Day Veteran and I served as an Infantry Officer in the Territorial Army during the Cold War, so I have always appreciated the importance of the Armed Forces in keeping us safe. Armed Forces Day was a wonderful opportunity for the people in and around Basildon to show their support for those who wear the Queen’s uniform and it was heartening to see so many people take the time and trouble to do so.