In a ceremony this morning in Cleethorpes, the Armed forces Flag has been raised to mark the start of a week of thanks to the nation’s armed forces and their families.
In a short speech, the Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Engagement Team, Alex Baxter, said: “Today provides an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution make by our Armed forces personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet forces and military families.”
He went on to say: “Here, in North East Lincolnshire, we are proud of our strong and enduring connection with the Armed forces. We are equally proud of our status as a supportive Armed Forces Community, one that values the contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families.
“As we raise the Armed Forces Day flag, we do so as a visible demonstration of that support and appreciation. The flag serves as a symbol of unity, respect and gratitude. It reminds us of the dedication shown by those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces and those who support them behind the scenes.”
The Armed Forces weekend in Cleethorpes kicks off later this week, with Saturday and Sunday being the main days of activity.
Flag Raising speech in full, given by Alex Baxter, MD of the Armed Forces Major Engagement Team
Thank you all for joining us here today at The Knoll as we come together to mark the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag and the beginning of Armed Forces Week 2026.
On behalf of the Armed Forces Major Engagement Team, North East Lincolnshire, our Armed Forces community and partners, I am delighted to welcome you all to this important occasion.
Today provides an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the extraordinary contribution make by our Armed forces personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet forces and military families.
Across our country, men and women serve with courage, commitment and professionalism, often in challenging circumstances and frequently away from their loved ones. They stand ready to protect our freedoms, support our allies and assist communities both at home and overseas whenever called upon. Armed Forces Week allows us to pause and reflect on that service and sacrifice.
It is also an opportunity to recognise the invaluable role played by veterans within our communities. Their experiences, skills and continued commitment enrich our towns, villages and workplaces long after their military service has ended.
Here, in North East Lincolnshire, we are proud of our strong and enduring connection with the Armed forces. We are equally proud of our status as a supportive Armed Forces Community, one that values the contribution made by serving personnel, veterans and their families.
As we raise the Armed Forces Day flag, we do so as a visible demonstration of that support and appreciation. The flag serves as a symbol of unity, respect and gratitude. It reminds us of the dedication shown by those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces and those who support them behind the scenes.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in organising this year’s Armed Forces Day commemorations and celebrations, including our volunteers, veterans’ organisations, military representatives, emergency services, community groups, sponsors and partner agencies.
Your support helps ensure that Armed Forces Day continues to be one of the most important and well-supported events in North East Lincolnshire’s calendar.
We now look forward to the Armed Forces Weekend celebrations taking place later this week, where residents and visitors will once again have the opportunity to come together and show their appreciation for our Armed Forces community.
As the flag is raised, I invite everyone present to reflect upon the service, dedication and sacrifice of all those who have served, continue to serve and those who support them every day.
For programme information, visit: www.afmet.co.uk/events-programme
For travel information, visit: www.afmet.co.uk/travel-and-transport
For Road closures, visit: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/travel-and-transport-information-afd-weekend-2026/
Up to the minute changes and information will be published on the Armed Forces Cleethorpes Facebook page. www.facebook.com/AFDCLEETHORPES
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