Armed Forces Day: 'We need to remember veterans'

Gordon Munro served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps for nine years

"It's essential that we, as a society, remember and celebrate those that put their country before themselves and ensure that their service is never forgotten."

To Gordon Munro, former soldier and vice-chairman of Staffordshire County Council, Armed Forces Day is more than just a date in the calendar.

"Whether people have served on the front lines, supported from home, or been the family holding the fort, we all know that military life demands a lot," he said.

Areas across the West Midlands are holding events this weekend to mark the occasion on Saturday.

Mr Munro, who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Corps for nine years, described the occasion as "a proper moment of recognition".

Armed Forces Day is the culmination of a week of celebrations, which started on 23 June.

It is a day to show support for all members of the military, from those currently serving to veterans, cadets, and families of members.

Here are some of the events happening around the region this weekend:

Birmingham and Black Country

Himley Hall and Park in Dudley hosts an event every year to mark the occasion

Himley Hall and Park in Dudley is hosting its 16th Armed Forces Day event on 29 June.

Running from 11:00 to 16:00 BST, it will include a vintage and craft market, tea for the troops, and vintage fairground rides.

The Mayor of Dudley will present HM Armed Forces Veterans Badges to eligible veterans.

In Solihull on Saturday, a celebration is taking place at The Royal British Legion branch on Union Road from 12:00 to 18:00.

It is described as a family day with buffet food, a live singer and family entertainment.

Coventry and Warwickshire

The Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa will host a free community event on Saturday, from 11:00 to 15:00.

On offer will be live performances, military vehicles, children's activities, a tri-service competition and a fly-past from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Avro Lancaster.

Coventry's series of events on Saturday kicks off with a service of thanksgiving in Holy Trinity Church at 10:30, followed by a parade.

The parade will be led by the 13th Coventry Scout Band from 11:30, heading to Broadgate, where there will be a civic salute from the presentation stage.

"In these times of conflict, it's a chance to show how grateful we are to all those who have served, are serving and the families that support them, and the support we receive from the armed services in the city's work for peace," said the Lord Mayor of Coventry, councillor Rachel Lancaster.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire

Herefordshire Armed Forces Day is taking place on Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00 at The Old Market Shopping Centre in Hereford.

It promises exhibitions, displays and entertainment by military charities and support groups.

In Worcester on Sunday will be a wheelchair basketball tournament at Worcester University from 09:00 to 19:00.

It is held by Police UK Disability Sport - its directors are all armed forces veterans and have competed in the Invictus Games.

The tournament will see four teams - police, a community club and two armed forces - compete throughout the day.

It is free to attend for all armed forces families.

Shropshire

Telford's event will be held in Donnington on Saturday

In Donnington, Telford, on Saturday will be an armed forces fun day, running from 09:00 to 18:00.

Held on Broadoaks playing field, the event is free and includes live music, a fun fair, military vehicles and activities run by armed forces members.

Also on Saturday, a group of military musicians will perform in Ellesmere.

"I'm thrilled that the Royal Household Division has given permission for a string quartet from the Duchess of Edinburgh's Orchestra to support Ellesmere's Armed Forces Day," said the town's mayor, councillor Liz Woodbridge.

"I'm particularly proud that a member of the quartet is my son."

There will be musical entertainment from local schoolchildren, a flag-raising ceremony and a two-minute silence at 10:00.

Military vehicles will be on display, and there will be a display at Ellesmere Library, which includes memories of the war from local people.

The afternoon will see a sold-out 1940s-style concert.

Staffordshire

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire has two days of events planned

The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire will hold events on Saturday and Sunday.

Activities include live performances, vehicle displays, a veteran's village and food and drinks.

There will be a daily act of remembrance on both days.

Stoke-on-Trent will host an event at Queen's Park, Longton, on Sunday from 12:30 to 15:15.

There will be live music, a parade, activities and a fly-past from a Dakota jet.

Finally, there will be a family event at Queen's Park, Crewe, on Saturday and Sunday.

The events will feature military vehicles, memorabilia, army displays and a picnic in the park.

Wolverhampton

Wolverhampton's event will be held in West Park

Wolverhampton's event is free and will be held at West Park from 12:00 to 16:00 on Saturday.

There is a programme of entertainment throughout the day, including a military parade and salute.

Also on the agenda is live music, exhibitions, arts and crafts and street food.

More events across the region can be found on the Armed Forces Day website.