The people of Hadleigh have this week been putting on a show to celebrate Armed Forces Day

The national initiative is an annual recognition of the contribution of serving men and women, giving thanks to the sacrifices military personnel and their families make.  

Hadleigh businesses have used their windows to show support with creative displays, the Armed Forces Day flag has been flying at the war memorial and the High Street featured a mural saluting the forces, with thanks to the Royal British Legion. 

The highlight of the week was a free community thanksgiving event on Thursday in Hadleigh Marketplace.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Gareth Wilson, a former chief constable, received the salute from 75 service personnel representing every military detachment in Suffolk, plus reserves and cadets.

Following a fly past by an Apache attach helicopter from Wattisham Flying Station, Mr Wilson gave thanks for the work and dedication of the services, alongside Babergh chair, Cllr Kathryn Grandon and Hadleigh mayor, Gordon McLeod.

Detachments included representatives of 7th Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers from Wattisham Flying Station, 28 Engineer Regiment from RAF Honington, 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment from MOD Woodbridge, reserves from the 158 Logistics Corp based in Ipswich and the Hadleigh Army Cadets. 

Troops on parade as Suffolk says thanks (Picture credit: Lucy Taylor)

Many residents and service families out in force to share in the celebrations and to give thanks to the Armed Forces. 

After the public event, service personnel were treated to a reception in the Guildhall, hosted by Hadleigh town council. The personnel took away a small gift bag made up of donations from local businesses, including Adnams. 

Cllr Kathryn Grandon said: "It is a wonderful thing to see the strong support and connection between the people of our district and the forces community, particularly with Wattisham Flying Station staff.

"It's an honour for Babergh to host this event on behalf of Suffolk" 

Apache fly past for Armed Forces Day (Picture credit: Hadleigh Nub News)

Hadleigh Mayor Gordon McLeod said: "Many people in Hadleigh have a direct link to the Armed Forces community, through work, family, or friends, so it's no surprise to see the warmth of support on display. 

"The role of the Armed Forces in combat and in crises like the pandemic or supporting refugees from Ukraine can rarely have been so central in people's thoughts." 

Together with neighbouring Mid Suffolk District Council, Babergh District Council is celebrating the 10th year of their commitment to the Suffolk Armed Forces