The chairman of Beverley’s Armed Forces Day committee has re-stated his and the town’s commitment to this great annual celebration following criticism from a local Green Party official.
Councillor David Elvidge, the driving force by Armed Forces Day, was disappointed by comments in a local newspaper by Green Party treasurer Bill Rigby, who believes the event – attended by more than 10,000 people last year – is “harmful to society”.
However, councillor Elvidge told HU17.net he has established it is not a Green Party view, and has urged the people of Beverley to get fully behind this year’s event, which takes place on Sunday 4 July.
Councillor Elvidge told HU17.net:
“As chairman of the Beverley Armed Forces Day Committee I have taken these comments seriously and checked with the green Party’s senior press officer Scott Redding.
“Mr Redding has stated that these comments do not represent the Green Party’s view and are Mr Rigby’s personal opinion.
“The Armed Forces Day provides an opportunity for the UK public to recognise the huge contribution that the Armed Forces make and have made to the nation.
“For us here in the East Riding and for Beverley in particular, it is our opportunity to come out in support of the brave men and women who daily face danger in Afghanistan.”
The celebrations will being at 10am and run through the entire day until 8pm, along similar lines to last year’s popular event.
As well as parades of current serving men and women and veterans, visitors will get the chance to see all the latest equipment currently in use in Afghanistan as well as enjoy many other informative attractions.
One change from last year is an evening band which will play a concert, along the lines of Last Night of the Proms, that will close the sunset ceremony and will include a fly-by by the local RAF search and rescue helicopter.
Councillor Elvidge continued: “It is totally free and I hope that there will be a great turn out.”
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Mr Rigby should really learn to think prior to opening his mouth. The event was a massive success and will be fantastic for young and old this year, 3 genertaions of my family will be there to support the event and good luck and thank you to all involved.