COUNCIL bosses have paid tribute to 'Forces Sweetheart' Dame Vera Lynn as they fly the flag for the armed services.
Maldon District Council proudly raised the Armed Forces Day flag at its headquarters today.
It will fly for a week in the run-up to Armed Forces Day on June 27.
Council chairman Bob Boyce said this year's event would be "especially poignant" after the death of Vera Lynn on Thursday.
He said: “I am delighted to be commemorating and honouring our brave veterans, individuals and all those who have served, or continue to serve, in our Armed Forces to whom we all owe so much.
"We are very proud of our Armed Forces and particularly the way in which more recently, they have supported the Covid-19 response.
"We are therefore once again pleased to recognise their dedication and commitment.
- Council chairman Bob Boyce and river bailiff Nigel Harmer
"Armed Forces Day is made especially poignant this year, with the death of the ‘Forces Sweetheart’, Dame Vera Lynn, who entertained the troops throughout the Second World War.
"On behalf of the council, I offer our sincere condolences to her family."
- The flag was raised today outside Maldon District Council's offices
Due to the current pandemic, the council is unable to hold its usual events, but is backing the #saluteourforces initiative.
It is urging residents to tweet their pictures of salutes @Maldondc and @ArmedForcesDay using #SaluteOurForces.
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