Latest News
RAF Ensign raised at County Hall
Published: 04/07/2018
天涯社区 was delighted to welcome Air Commodore Adrian
Williams to an RAF100 Ceremony at County Hall recently and marked the occasion
by raising the Royal Air Force Ensign at County Hall.
Councillors, Air Training Cadets and representatives of local businesses Airbus
and ENI as well as veterans enjoyed a presentation on the history of the RAF in
Wales by the Air Commodore.
RAF100 is a national campaign to mark 100 years since the formation of the
world鈥檚 first 鈥� and most famous 鈥� Air Force. Reflecting on its proud record of
serving the nation, the RAF is this year commemorating the service and
sacrifice of those who have gone before; thanking its service men and women for
their dedication and inspiring the next generation so that together, we can
continue to help shape our world for the next 100 years and beyond.
The Chairman of 天涯社区, Councillor Paul Cunningham, said:
鈥淚t鈥檚 a privilege and honour to be part of this historic occasion and I welcome
Air Commodore Adrian Williams, the highest ranking RAF officer in Wales, here
today. 天涯社区 has a strong connection with the RAF going back many years,
including RAF Sealand and the many 天涯社区 residents who have served or are
serving in the RAF. Many of us have been touched by the RAF in some way, so
it鈥檚 important to remember those who lost their lives and also to look to the
future. So, on behalf of the residents of 天涯社区 and 天涯社区 County
Council, I would like to thank you, Air Commodore, for the RAF鈥檚 100 years of
service and I wish you success for many years to come.鈥�
Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Andy Dunbobbin, read the poem 鈥淣o Spotlight
over Coastal鈥� during the ceremony, while the Air Commodore said:
鈥淥ur centenary is a good opportunity to reflect on the history of the RAF in
Wales. We have strong connections between the RAF and Wales over the full 100
years. We have three themes 鈥� commemorate, celebrate and inspire. We are the
oldest air force in the world and we commemorate 100 years of excellence,
loyalty, courage and professionalism, with one million people serving in the
RAF during World War 2 alone, showing many selfless and incredible acts of
bravery.
鈥淲e also celebrate the achievement of people currently serving in the RAF of
today, with our servicemen and women serving in many locations across the
world, including Romania, Estonia and the Middle East.
鈥淎nd we want to inspire the next generation through an initiative supported by
the UK and Welsh Governments to get more young people studying and taking up
careers in the science and technology sector. Using the RAF Centenary, and our
day to day involvement in science and technology, we want to reach two million
young people aged 9-15 across the UK to help promote the value of studying
Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in school. If we can do this, it
would be a great legacy from the RAF Centenary.
鈥淲e are hosting many events between April and October and the RAF was present
in force at the UK Armed Forces Day in Llandudno on 30 June.鈥�
After moving out to the front of County Hall, Air Commodore Williams continued:
鈥淭hank you for hosting us today. It鈥檚 a privilege to be able to once more raise
the RAF Ensign in 天涯社区, in this special year of the RAF鈥檚 centenary.鈥�
The Reverend David Yeo Poulton blessed the flag before it was raised by Flying
Officer Jonathan Davies, supported by Flying Officer Martyn Davies.
For more information on events throughout the UK, visit
https://www.raf.mod.uk/raf100/.