Skip to content
Recruiting now.Explore navy careers

Flag raising heralds Armed Forces Week in Plymouth

Armed Forces Week Flag Rasing in Plymouth
22 June 2020
The beginning of Plymouth Armed Forces week has been celebrated with the ceremonial hoisting of the Armed Forces Day Flag on the Guildhall in the city centre.

To comply with government Covid-19 guidelines, social distancing rules were applied and personnel attending this year’s event were restricted to the bear minimum.

Commodore Peter Coulson, Devonport Naval Base Commander, although not in attendance sent a message of support for Armed Forces week.

“The Royal Navy and wider Armed Forces are successfully operating around the UK and all over the world during these difficult times – and here in Plymouth we have been instrumental in sustaining that momentum, with ships and submarines still deploying and returning to and from Her Majesty’s Naval Base Devonport.

“Our training establishments continue to develop our young men and women, and Plymouth’s Royal Marines and soldiers remain busy at home and abroad. I would like to pay a personal tribute to all in our community that have made this possible, despite the shadow of Covid-19 – not just those in uniform, but also civil servants, our colleagues in Babcock and other companies, as well as the wider community in the city.”

Raising the flag on behalf of the Royal Navy was Able Seaman Ed McGinley, from the Naval Regional Commander Wales and Western England’s office.

“We are here today to mark the start of Armed Forces Week, a national celebration of the Armed Forces,” said Councillor Chris Mavin, Lord Mayor of Plymouth.

“By following government guidance on large gatherings, we are unable to host our usual flag-raising ceremony, but I am grateful to be joined by a small military presence, who will raise the flag, provide a military salute and play Reveille.

“I am very proud of our military history and the Armed Forces who are based here in Plymouth. I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to you all and to your families, for the admirable work you do.”

Related articles

Navy News

Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.