Today (Monday 22 June) marks the start of Armed Forces Week (22–27 June 2026). To commemorate the occasion, Buckinghamshire Council’s Chairman, Cllr John Chilver, led a flag-raising ceremony at the Old Crown Court in Aylesbury, while Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Lesley Clarke OBE, led a second ceremony outside the Buckinghamshire Council office on Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe.
Representatives from the Armed Forces attended both events, highlighting the close and enduring relationship between the military and the local community, and providing an opportunity to recognise and thank Armed Forces personnel, past and present, for their dedication and service.
Buckinghamshire has a proud military heritage across the county, from Operation ‘Hillside’ at Hughenden Manor during the Second World War to key defence sites today, including RAF High Wycombe and RAF Halton.
Armed Forces Week is a national campaign dedicated to building public understanding and support for the Armed Forces community — including regulars, reservists, veterans, cadets, cadet force adult volunteers and military families.
As a member of the Buckinghamshire Civilian Military Partnership Board, the council is supporting a campaign to encourage more organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and show their support for our Armed Forces community.
Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council, Cllr John Chilver, said:
“Armed Forces Week is a powerful reminder of the dedication, courage and sacrifice shown by our Armed Forces community, both here in Buckinghamshire and across the country. As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that those who serve and have served, along with their families, are supported and treated fairly in all aspects of civilian life.”
Image: Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Lesley Clarke OBE, outside the Buckinghamshire Council office on Queen Victoria Road in High Wycombe.
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