Armed Forces Day was marked in Comet Country with a series of events.

The Comet: Hitchin Sea Cadets enjoying the dayHitchin Sea Cadets enjoying the day (Image: Archant)

Parades and flag-raising events took place in Hitchin, Letchworth GC and Stevenage as the community paid tribute to the armed forces despite the wet weather over the course of the weekend.

Stevenage held their fourth annual Armed Forces Day celebration in Town Centre Gardens on St Georges Way on Saturday from 11am until 4pm with a wall climb, sumo wrestling, live music, a food bar, beer bar and many military charity stalls included in the activities.

On Saturday and Sunday, on Broadway Gardens in Letchworth GC, there were two days of free entertainment featuring military vehicle displays, live music and refreshments.

There was also a veterans parade on Sunday at 10.45am from Broadway Gardens to Letchworth War Memorial with a service to thank those who have served in the armed forces.

In Hitchin on Friday at 11am a flag raising event took place in Paynes Park at 11am which also marked the last event of that kind at Paynes Park Social Club by the Hitchin Poppy Appeal group, who will no longer be operating from the building.

Stevenage MP, Stephen McPartland, who opened the armed forces day held in Stevenage, said: “I am proud to have opened each of our Armed Forces Day’s here in Stevenage and despite the weather, hundreds of people still came to show their support for our servicemen and women.

“Today marks the anniversary of the execution of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which led to the outbreak of the First World War 100 years ago. It is also the last Armed Forces Day that will be celebrated by our troops in Afghanistan, before they are brought home for good later this year.

“Stevenage really showed our support for the Armed Forces once again, as we put on the biggest celebration in the whole of Hertfordshire for the fourth year running. I would like to thank all the local community groups and people who came out today to celebrate with us and make this a special day to remember.”

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