Across the country, members of the public, veterans, members of the armed forces and cadet forces came together for a series of events to mark Armed Forces Day 2015.
Leicester was no exception to this as on Sunday 4th July, 57 air cadets and a number of staff from units around South and East Midlands Wing including 1F (City of Leicester), 1084 (Market Harborough), 1279 (Melton Mowbray), 1461 (Wigston), 1947 (Birstall), 2070 (Glenfield), 2248 (Rutland) and 2502 (Hamilton) squadrons paraded alongside members of the armed forces and veterans to show respect and give thanks to all who serve and have served in the armed forces.
The event started with a service in Leicester Cathedral led by the Bishop of Leicester and attended by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Leicester, Jennifer, Lady Gretton JP who is also 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron’s Honorary President. After the service, the South and East Midlands Wing contingent, led by Squadron Leader Adrian Utting RAFVR(T), formed up behind the rest of the service personnel and cadet forces to march from Leicester Cathedral into the middle of Leicester Town Centre by the clock tower. The parade was given great support by the crowds as they lined the route and applauded for all those who were taking part.
Cadet Sergeant Jason Blackshaw, aged 16, of 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Squadron commented after the parade, ‘I liked to see all the cadet forces joining together to celebrate a great cause. It was great to see that we were all really smart and in step and it was an honour to represent the squadron and the wing as a banner bearer in the parade. I’m hoping to join the RAF when I’m older so it’s really inspiring to see the service personnel joining with the cadet forces at this event.’