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27/06/2008
Blackpool Celebrates National Veterans' Day
Thousands of people are expected to congregate in Blackpool to recognise the work of Britain's armed forces.
The Duchess of Cornwall will also attend the third annual National Veteran's Day.
Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will also attend.
Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veterans' Week since 2005 and beat four other UK cities to be named the host of the 2008 event.
Today's events are part of a nine-day programme.
Among the events planned for today, the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery will exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool with a march along the promenade, past the tower to the cenotaph, led by WWI veteran, 112-year-old Henry Allingham.
Another highlight will be a Battle of Britain memorial flight over those gathered for the thanksgiving service to be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.
The finale will be marked by a Red Devils parachute drop before a firework display.
The National Veterans' Day was established in 2006 and its purpose is to thank ex servicemen and women for their service.
Falklands veteran Anthony Barlow is to abseil down Blackpool Tower and receive his badge from the Duchess. BBC Correspondent Martin Bell will also be presented with a veterans' badge.
To ensure the day goes to plan, the town has organised an army of 20 Blackpool Ambassadors who will be on hand to greet visitors and offer assistance.
Former Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne said "The veterans who are coming to Blackpool for this national celebration need to be welcomed in style and make to feel safe and secure, and nothing will make them feel more at ease than someone with a smile on their face who is willing to help."
Red Arrows Lead RAF Celebrations
(DS)
The Duchess of Cornwall will also attend the third annual National Veteran's Day.
Veterans Minister Derek Twigg and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt, will also attend.
Blackpool has been holding its own annual Veterans' Week since 2005 and beat four other UK cities to be named the host of the 2008 event.
Today's events are part of a nine-day programme.
Among the events planned for today, the 12th Regiment Royal Artillery will exercise their right to the Freedom of the Borough of Blackpool with a march along the promenade, past the tower to the cenotaph, led by WWI veteran, 112-year-old Henry Allingham.
Another highlight will be a Battle of Britain memorial flight over those gathered for the thanksgiving service to be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Nicholas Reade.
The finale will be marked by a Red Devils parachute drop before a firework display.
The National Veterans' Day was established in 2006 and its purpose is to thank ex servicemen and women for their service.
Falklands veteran Anthony Barlow is to abseil down Blackpool Tower and receive his badge from the Duchess. BBC Correspondent Martin Bell will also be presented with a veterans' badge.
To ensure the day goes to plan, the town has organised an army of 20 Blackpool Ambassadors who will be on hand to greet visitors and offer assistance.
Former Mayor of Blackpool, Robert Wynne said "The veterans who are coming to Blackpool for this national celebration need to be welcomed in style and make to feel safe and secure, and nothing will make them feel more at ease than someone with a smile on their face who is willing to help."
Red Arrows Lead RAF Celebrations
(DS)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
