Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 1 July 2022

A SPECIAL service and parade showing support for the Armed Forces and commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falkland War conflict was held in Hinckley last Saturday (25 June).

The service and parade was organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) in association with the Hinckley Combined Armed Forces and Veterans Community, Churches Together, and the Hinckley Combined Ex-Service Association.

It included representatives from several regiments, nationalities, sections and services – including the local cadet forces.

Armed Forces Day, which is now in its 14th year, offered everyone a chance to thank the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, from currently serving troops to service families, veterans and cadets.
 
To mark the special service, a procession marched on down Castle Street in Hinckley town centre into the award-winning Argents Mead park, for a service led by Rev. Ian Hill from Churches Together.

Following the service, the parade once again made its way down Castle Street, but this time along Station Road, where a formal salute was taken.

This year’s event further marked the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

The Falklands War lasted for a total of 74 days and it was the first millitary action since World War II to utilise all elements of the Armed Forces, with 255 British personnel losing their lives.
 
A variety of military vehicles and memorabilia were on display in Argents Mead for visitors to view, kindly supplied by the Charnwood Military Vehicle Trust and their members.

As well as this, a walkabout ‘Captain Mainwaring’ was in the park offering balloon modelling.

Armed Forces Champions for the Borough Council, Coun. Danny Findlay and Coun. Russell Roberts, said: “This year as ever, offered an opportunity to highlight the sacrifices that were made for the freedoms that we enjoy today and to recognise the ongoing service that our Armed Forces undertake.
 
“The backdrop of Armed Forces Day 2022 was also significant as it acknowledges the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict.
 
“In addition as well as more recent events such as servicemen and women supporting the national pandemic effort and now increased military deployments to Europe in the face of ongoing global security concerns.

“This of course is even more poignant given the sacrifices being endured by the military personnel and people of Ukraine and to those supporting them.”

They further added: “Armed Forces Day is both an opportunity to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and a celebration for the steadfast service that our serving, reserves and veterans have given.

“The event enables us to include the wider armed forces family such as those Cadet Forces, servicemen and women’s families, and civilian support personnel.
 
“Our thanks to everyone involved in making this event happen and all who supported the event.”