Fylde Council has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the armed forces community through the official signing of an Armed Forces Covenant between the authority and all those who serve, or have served, in the armed forces of the Crown and their families.
The signing took place at the Army Reserve Centre on Parkinson Way in Blackpool during a “Breakfast with the Lions” networking event, hosted by 4th Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (4 LANCS), on Monday 25 September.
Councillor Frank Andrews, elected member for Wrea Green with Westby Ward and Fylde Council’s Armed Forces Representative, was honoured to formalise the Council’s commitment to the principles of the Covenant with his signature.
Cllr Andrews said: “After 34 years active service, it is a delight to be working with the armed services again and hearing the stories of other members that so often bring back happy memories.”
The Armed Forces Covenant recognises the contributions of serving personnel (both regular and reservist), veterans, and military families to our communities and country.
The first duty of government is the defence of the realm. Our armed forces fulfil that responsibility on behalf of the government, sacrificing some civilian freedoms, facing danger and, sometimes, suffering serious injury or death as a result of their duty.
Families also play a vital role in supporting the operational effectiveness of our armed forces. In return, the whole nation has a moral obligation to the members of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, together with their families.
They deserve our respect, support, and fair treatment. Those who serve in the armed forces, whether regular or reserve, those who have served in the past, or their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services.
Special consideration is appropriate in some cases, especially for those injured and bereaved. This obligation involves the whole of society, and includes voluntary and charitable bodies, private organisations, and the actions of individuals in supporting the armed forces. Recognising those who have performed military duty unites the country and demonstrates the value of their contribution and has no greater expression than in upholding this covenant. The armed forces covenant pledge outlines the agreement between Fylde Council and the armed forces community.
To read more about the Armed Forces Covenant, visit the Armed Forces Covenant website.
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