Hackney marks Armed Forces Day
The Speaker of Hackney, Cllr Sade Etti, helped the borough mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday (27 June) by paying tribute to service men and women.
Cllr Etti joined the 165 men and women from units and cadets in the borough including 3 Military Intelligence Battalion (3MI), the Reserve Force Battalion which holds the Freedom of the Borough and cadets, veterans and voluntary organisations for the flag raising ceremony.
A magnificent parade formed up the moving ceremony, including an address from Colonel Morriss, with time to reflect on those who have and continue to serve in the armed forces. The ceremony was followed by a reception in the Town Hall.
It is important that we pay tribute to our armed forces and the contribution they make. I would particularly like to thank all of the current and former servicemen and women in Hackney for their valuable work.
Colonel Morriss said: “Armed Forces Day gave the borough the opportunity to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community. That is, not only those troops currently serving and their families who remain at home but also the veterans who served in the country’s time of need and the cadets who, although most will not join the armed Services, will go on to be better citizens.”
Lieutenant Colonel R E F Morriss, Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Hackney, noted that 3MI had, over the last decade, deployed 440 soldiers and officers on active service and, only last year had faced the loss of one of their finest NCOs whilst on operational duty.