West Lancashire pays respects to our armed forces

• Special ceremony held for Armed Forces Day
• Veterans and local cadets among those who came to the event
• Ministry of Defence flag raised in tribute

West Lancashire yesterday honoured the sacrifices made by military services at a special ceremony to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

Residents came to pay their respects at the War Memorial in Coronation Park , Ormskirk, and see the Ministry of Defence flag raised.

The ceremony officially started when the Mayor’s Chaplain, said a short prayer.

Special guests included service veterans; the High Sheriff of Lancashire Martin Ainscough DL; the Mayor of West Lancashire Councillor Mrs Marilyn Westley and Councillors and Officers from West Lancashire Borough Council. Local cadets and other uniformed groups were also there.

The Mayor, Councillor Mrs. Marilyn Westley, said: “I was honoured to take part in this special ceremony as we paid our respects to veterans and those currently serving in our armed forces. It is incredibly important that we never forget our debt of gratitude to those who have fallen on our behalf and those who protect us today.”