On Wednesday 9th November, Hertford Town Council officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant following a Garden of Remembrance Service at Hertford Castle.
The covenant, aims to encourage local communities to support the service community, promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting the Armed Forces community and encourage activities which help to integrate people returning from the armed forces into local life.
By signing an Armed Forces Covenant Hertford Town Council have pledged to undertake action such as:
- Supporting and promoting Armed Forces events such as Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day.
- Maintenance of war graves at Hertford Cemetery and Churchyards.
- Promoting the fact that we are an Armed Forces friendly Council.
The Council have nominated Councillor Robert Cinnamon and Councillor John Lynch MBE, both former members of the Armed Services to be the Hertford Town Council Champions for the Covenant for the coming year 2022/23.
The Mayor of Hertford, Cllr. Sue Barber said;
"We are proud of the strong links we have with both our Armed Forces and Veterans and we recognise the sacrifices that our many military families make every day. Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a public pledge of support for the Armed Forces and their families".
Councillor Robert Cinnamon, an Armed Forces Covenant Champion for the Town Council and a former member of the Armed Forces himself, said; "Men and women in the Armed Forces risk their lives for our country, and will often need support when returning from the service, both practically and emotionally, which I have seen first-hand. I am honoured to be nominated an Armed Forces Champion and provide support for the Armed Forces community".
Councillor Annie Brewster, Hertfordshire County Council said
"The first signing of the covenant in Hertfordshire took place in 2011 by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, senior representatives of Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, the Royal British Legion, Hertfordshire County Council, all ten of Hertfordshire’s district and borough councils, as well as representatives of key organisations".
I am delighted Hertford Town Council as the County town has led the way at a local level and been the first Town and Parish Council in Hertfordshire to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant".
For further information on the Armed Forces Covenant please visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk or the dedicated Hertfordshire Heroes website www.hertfordshireheroes.org