The Armed Forces Day flag has been raised at Andover’s Guildhall as Test Valley pays tribute to those who serve in the military.

The flag was raised just before 11am today (June 21) in a ceremony on the High Street as celebrations begin for Armed Forces Day, to be held later this month. The last post was played following the Ode of Remembrance, with the flag to fly for the rest of the week.

Councillor Martin Hatley, the former mayor of Test Valley, presided over Andover’s ceremony, and said: “I am honoured to represent the borough council in recognition of the men and women who have given so much to protect our country.”

The ceremony began at 10:45am, with a variety of dignitaries in attendance including Cllr Barbara Long, Mayor of Andover, councillors who have served in the armed forces such as Cllr Nick Matthews and Cllr David Coole, and veterans such as Max Barnikel, who is seen regularly selling poppies in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday.

Following remarks from Cllr Hatley, the Armed Forces Day flag was blessed by the Reverend Chris Bradish, vicar of St Mary’s, before being raised below the union flag on the Guildhall. It will now be flown until Sunday, June 27.

The vicar commended "to your [God's] heavenly care all the men and women in our armed forces."

Standard bearers then lowered their flags as Cllr Jim Neal gave the Ode of Remembrance, before The Last Post was played. Two minutes of silence were then held before the Reveille, and the ceremony came to an end.

Discussing the commemoration, the deputy mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Alan Dowden, said: “It is absolutely vital that across the borough, we commemorate this day and pay tribute to our armed forces. Many sacrifices have been made by so many people for the freedoms we currently celebrate. I look forward to seeing the flags flying above our buildings for the week.

“From all of us in Test Valley, we thank all current serving troops, veterans and cadets, who have been working to support our communities during the ongoing pandemic.”