Armed Forces Covenant members supporting Armed Forces Day

Seasafe, Rouse, Smokin Jacks and L&M Plus Consulting have all gone one step further with their support for the Island's Armed Forces community, by sponsoring some of the attractions at this year’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day.

Seasafe, which has achieved the prestigious Gold status, is ensuring that marching veterans, reservists and cadets attending are squared away with some food and refreshments.

Smokin Jacks have dug deep to provide some children’s entertainment while Rouse Intelligent Financial Planning are accommodating the marching bands.

L&M Plus Consulting are also onboard, helping to facilitate more for youngsters though that element is hush hush for now!

Ian Dore, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day organiser, said: "These signatories stepped up to the plate, within 24 hours of receiving the call to action.

"This year, because we have such a high pedigree of air assets (literally the best in the world ), Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day is at a new level. By being bold and raising the bar, this unwavering support helps to ensure it can be as exciting and dynamic as it can be.

"The Covenant contains an element about supporting Armed Forces Day, as part of a signatory’s commitment. It’s safe to say that all those mentioned above, have certainly ticked that box. For those attending, they will be very grateful.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that together we as a nation acknowledge and understand that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve with their lives.

The principals are that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services, compared to any other citizen. And in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured or bereaved.

Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day on Sunday, 30 June features the Royal Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

It also features a host of static interactive displays and an enviable live stage line up, coupled with the traditional marching parade and marching bands.

Special emphasise has been put on commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day. A full line up and running order is expected over the next few weeks. Details will be published at www.isleofwightarmedforcesday.co.uk

Ian added: "Last year, I was a guest speaker at His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Awards, hosted by SERFCA. It is they that champion the Armed Forces Covenant on the Island.

"Whether Bronze, Silver or Gold, something like this is a feather in any business's hat. It goes to show that those that have already committed, see it more than just a tick box exercise; bagging a logo on an email signature!

"If I’m invited to the SERFCA rostrum again, those involved will certainly be complimented for going that little bit further. We’ve aimed high and they have joined us.

"Not only are they supporting the event, but the Island Armed Forces community as a whole. Big salute to them."