Hundreds line street to pay tribute to military

A street parade of smartly dressed military personnel wearing their medals and marching two by two
Armed Forces Day celebrations involved military personnel past and present on parade [BBC]

Hundreds of people turned out to watch military parades as part of celebrations for Armed Forces Day.

The event began on Redcar's High Street with a parade of military personnel, both past and present.

Throughout the day crowds were entertained by musicians, singers, military pipes and drums, as well as cadet drill displays.

The town's mayor Neil Bendelow said the event was organised to "show pride and appreciation" for the armed forces.

The event was organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council in partnership with the Royal British Legion Redcar branch and the Rotary Club.

It included dozens of stalls raising money for the armed forces and local charities.

Smiling veteran Eric Howden in front of a crowd wearing a hat with military badge and medals pinned to his lapel
Veteran Eric Howden, BEM, said he wanted to honour those who had made the "ultimate sacrifice" [BBC]

Eric Howden BEM, chairman of Redcar Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: "Armed Forces Day is a day to remember and celebrate our troops from all the services, past, present, and future.

"Our past are those who can’t be with us because some made the ultimate sacrifice.

"The present are those still in service in whatever capacity throughout the world."

A parade of serving personnel drummers dressed in red and wearing gold Royal ER sashes being followed by marching veterans waving flags
The crowds were also entertained by a drum parade [BBC]

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