The first Macclesfield Armed Forces Day event took place on Sunday 1st July, with a well-attended parade through the town, supported by local MP, David Rutley.
The parade, comprised of local veterans, cadets and scouts from across local communities, set off from Castle Street and made its way towards Market Square, supported by many local residents, where the Mayor of Macclesfield, Cllr Adam Schofield, took the salute. This was followed by a small service of thanksgiving outside the Town Hall. As well as the parade, there were a number of vintage army vehicles and fire engines on static display outside the Town Hall, adding to the colour and spectacle of the day.
The event was organised by the Macclesfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL), with the support of other local organisations that work to assist Armed Forces members and veterans, including: Age UK Cheshire East; Macclesfield Armed Forces Breakfast Club; the Army Families Federation; and St John Ambulance. David met with the local RBL branch chairman, Cllr Alan Williams, and thanked him for the organisation’s important work in supporting veterans in local communities by ensuring they are aware of and can access local support services.
Speaking after the event, David said, "Armed Forces Day is a vital opportunity to thank the brave men and women of our Armed Forces, both serving and retired, who have given so much to our country. It was an honour to take part in this event and great to see so many local residents out in numbers to support the parade. I am very grateful to all at the Macclesfield branch of the Royal British Legion and other local organisations involved for all the energy and commitment that their volunteers and staff have put in to make this important event possible."