Bodmin’s military heritage was celebrated on Tuesday as the town hosted the build up to a national event held for people to show their appreciation to the Armed Forces.

The Armed Forces Day flag relay started at Bodmin Keep, Cornwall’s Army Museum, ahead of Armed Forces Day in Falmouth on June 24.

Bodmin Mayor Phil Cooper transported the flag through the town’s streets before delivering it to Bodmin Keep as part of the Grand Depart relay event.

Cornwall’s Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE, veterans, cadets, serving military personnel and school children from St Petrocs Primary School attended the ‘handing over’ ceremony.

Bodmin was the first of 10 official flag relay events being held across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the next two months ahead of the national event, which include RAF St Mawgan, Fowey, Penzance, HMS Raleigh in Torpoint and The Army Reserve Centre in Truro.

The flag symbolises public support for the Armed Forces men and women, past and present and the difficult job that they do. 

Bodmin Town Mayor Phil Cooper said: “It is a huge honour to be presented with this special flag and be part of this national event. 

“It is a real privilege for the town which is steeped in military history. 

“Bodmin Keep which until 2012 was a recruiting base for the army and is still home to The Light Infantry Association is the perfect location to begin the tour.” 

Cllr Leigh Frost added: “It was a fantastic afternoon at Bodmin Keep for the launch of the flag relay leading up to National Armed Forces Day in Falmouth this June.

“Bodmin is steeped in military history, being the ancestral home of the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry. 

“Victoria Barracks was the DCLI’s base from 1881 until 1959, when it went through a series of mergers, becoming ‘The Rifles, the regiment we have today. We are also home to the ‘232 Port Squadron,  165 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC which is one of the largest army reserve units in the British Army and the only one that moves logistics by sea.

“We have a great military heritage, and it was wonderful to celebrate that.”

This year’s Armed Forces Day National Event, will be centred in Falmouth on Saturday, June 24 and will provide the stage for the whole UK to show support for the Armed Forces community.

The town will play proud host to a packed programme of events and activities including a military parade, marching bands, military displays, live music, flying displays and fireworks.

It is expected to be one of the most stirring and evocative programmes of public shows ever staged in Cornwall – its backdrop the world’s third largest natural harbour and Henry Vlll’s sea fort Pendennis Castle.

The event website will be updated regularly to show the full programme as arrangements are confirmed.

The plans include a spectacular Military Village showcasing vehicles, equipment and interactive displays.

A full military parade through the streets of Falmouth involving regular and reserve personnel from all three services, cadets and veteransEntertainment, activities and displays throughout the town.

Opportunities to meet with armed forces charities and organisations to find out about their work and the support they can provide.

A chance to see air force, army and naval assets close up. 

Air displays over the stunning views of Falmouth Bay.

A Proms style music concert at the iconic Pendennis Castle to celebrate and thank our armed forces.

Fireworks over Falmouth Harbour to round off proceedings.