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Servicemen gather in tribute to old soldiers
"Be ever mindful of the men of Preston who fell in the great wars."
Every year since the Second World War – except for 1968 – at least one serviceman has fallen in the line of duty.
The words inscribed on the city's Cenotaph are as relevant today as when they were first penned.
Servicemen of the past and present gathered around the cenotaph in Preston's Flag Market to remember their comrades at a special flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony kickstarted a week of events to mark Britain's first Annual Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
War veterans stood side by side with those currently serving as the flag was raised.
Former serviceman Colonel Bernard Stam, President of Preston and District Veterans Council, praised the event.
The 68-year-old, who served in Preston's Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) said: "We're delighted that the government has recognised the importance of the armed forces in public life, and that it should be recognised in this way by an annual day for the armed forces to include what we would call the whole of the military family."
The sight of the red, blue and white of the Union Flag being raised was a nostalgic moment for many of the veterans.
Colonel Stam added: "The flag brings up obvious feelings of patriotism, loyalty to Her Majesty the Queen and the country, and also it brings back happy memories of days spent soldiering around the world."
Tom Davis, chairman of the Preston and District veterans council, said: "We always think of comrades that have given the ultimate sacrifice.
"It brings a lump to your throat to see something like that, the government recognising the veterans are worthy of their own standards."
Mayor Keith Sedgewick said: "I think it's long overdue.
"It's certainly something to look at and let's hope a lot of people take note of it.
"A lot of ex-servicemen will take pride in it."
A parade at the Flag Market will take place on Saturday at 11am when soldiers and the wider community surrounding the armed forces will be reunited in remembrance.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light sleet
Temperature: -3 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
