ANDOVER fell silent to commemorate Armed Forces past and present at the town’s annual flag raising.
Veterans, along with civic representatives, joined together on Monday to watch the Armed Forces Day flag be raised in the High Street.
Test Valley mayor Councillor Martin Hatley welcomed guests to the event and reminded all who attended that the day was designed to remember not only those who have served but those currently in the armed forces.
Prayers and a service were led by Reverend Canon Jill Bentall.
A passage was also read by the chairman of the Andover Royal British Legion.
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council Councillor Phil North attended the flag raising ceremony.
He said: “Serving personnel are the bravest and the best and in the week of Armed Forces Day — just like at any other time — it is important to recognise the sacrifices they make to keep us all safe.”
As the flag was raised over the Guildhall, on the stroke of 11am, a bugler sounded the Last Post, leading to a two minutes silence and the Reveille.
The flag-raising ceremony will be repeated across the country and flags will be flown for two weeks in the run-up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 29.
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