Walsall came together on Monday 23 June 2025 to honour service personnel past and present with a special flag raising ceremony outside the Council House to mark Armed Forces Day.
This year’s event was particularly poignant as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating eight decades since the end of the Second World War in Europe. In a moving tribute, Mayor’s Cadet Gina-Lyn Tanue, from Bloxwich Academy, proudly raised the Armed Forces Day flag.
The Girls Venture Corps also joined the ceremony, highlighting the continued involvement of young people in honouring the sacrifices of the Armed Forces community.
Leading the proceedings was the Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Louise Harrison, who paid tribute during a short civic service.
“Today, we stand united in pride to honour our Armed Forces. This isn’t just a date; it’s a day to recognise the unwavering dedication of our past and present service members, who have made our world a better place and to commend their families for their incredible resilience during the world’s conflicts. On behalf of our borough, we stand to honour them.”
Also in attendance was Councillor Adam Hicken, Walsall Council’s Armed Forces Champion, who reflected on the day’s deeper significance:
“Armed Forces Day is our chance to recognise the sacrifice of our service men and women. This year, we celebrated the Victory in Europe Day and Victory in Japan which marked the end of the second World War.
I encourage you all to come out to the community events that have been planned and see if you can attend any of these events to honour and celebrate our Armed Forces.”
The ceremony welcomed a wide range of guests from across the borough and beyond, including Deputy Lieutenant David Frost CBE DL, the Deputy Mayor of Walsall, the Deputy Lieutenant’s cadet, senior council officials, cadets from the Girls Venture Corps, Freeman of the Borough Mr Ian Shires, local councillors, Walsall Rotary, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, West Midlands Fire Service, West Midlands Police, veterans’ groups, and representatives from Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust.
Celebrate Armed Forces Day This Weekend
Residents are warmly invited to attend several free local events happening across Walsall this weekend to continue the Armed Forces Day celebrations:
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Walsall Community Association at The Black Country Commonwealth House
📍 36 Wolverhampton Road, Walsall
🕚 Saturday 28 June 2025, 11:30am – 11:00pm -
Armed Forces Community Network Event
📍 Pelsall Village (Co-op and Memorial Garden)
🕘 Saturday 28 June 2025, 9:00am – 3:00pm -
Royal British Legion Bloxwich Branch Armed Forces Day
📍 All Saints Church Grounds, All Saints Church, Bloxwich
🕥 Saturday 28 June 2025, 10:30am – 3:00pm