Proudly on parade

QE’s Combined Cadet Force proudly played their part in celebrating national Armed Forces Day.

Led by Lieutenant Howe (Kieron Howe, the School’s Director of Music), the CCF cadets marched in the Borough of Barnet’s parade together with Sea and Air cadets, with adult soldiers and reservists, and with military veterans from a number of conflicts. The Air Cadets provided the band.

After assembling at St Joseph’s School, the parade marched to Hendon Town Hall, where the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Hugh Rayner, took the salute. The Mayor, who raised an Armed Forces Day flag above the Town Hall, praised the “fine contingent”, which he said was one of the largest among the London boroughs.

The VIP party also included Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and Martin Russell, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Barnet.

Prayers were said and the National Anthem sung before the troops marched off. Afterwards, the parade participants were invited for refreshments at the Town Hall.

First observed in 2006, when it was called Veterans’ Day, Armed Forces Day aims to raise public awareness of the contribution made to the country by the Armed Forces. It also gives the nation an opportunity to show support for those in the Services. The national event this year took place in Stirling.