The Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Brian Thomas, welcomed the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent Brigadier Aitken, the High Sheriff of Gwent Sharon Linnard, and the RAF’s Air Commodore Adrian Williams (Air Officer Wales).
Other distinguished guests at the event included Reverent Islwyn Morgan, who led the prayers for the ceremony, members of the local branches of the Royal British Legion (RBL) from across Blaenau Gwent, representatives or the Tredegar Air Cadets (2167 Squadron), the South Atlantic Medal Association, and partner organisations representatives from the Blaenau Gwent Armed Forces Community Covenant Group.
The Council was also represented by the Deputy Leader Councillor Garth Collier, Chair of Council Councillor Mandy Moore, and the Council’s Managing Director Michelle Morris.
In a speech at the event, Councillor Thomas noted:
The RAF Ensign, which is the official flag used to represent the RAF, was raised at the event by representation from the RAF based at the St Athan Ministry of Defence site in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales.
This event represents the commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant signed in Blaenau Gwent, and the desire as partner organisations working in Blaenau Gwent to say “thank you” to the RAF for all they do for our country.
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council has a long-standing history of being a proud supporter of the Forces. The Council is committed to the Armed Forces Covenant and proud to have an active, committed Armed Forces Forum that meets regularly.
http://www.blaenau-gwent.gov.uk/council/partnerships/armed-forces-community-covenant/