Hundreds of people have gathered in Lowestoft to show support for our armed forces.
Honouring the bravery of service personnel in the past and present, and for those looking to serve in Britain's armed forces in the future, the 10th annual Lowestoft Armed Forces Day Military Tattoo was hailed as a success as the town paid a fitting tribute.
The courageous men and women who have risked – and lost – their lives for their country were thanked and remembered at the Royal Green in Lowestoft today.
Veterans, families and serving troops all came together as part of an Armed Forces Day celebration in Lowestoft, with hundreds turning out to give thanks to all military personnel.
Numerous activities, stands, demonstrations and displays transformed Royal Green for the day, with a special parade and traditional Drumhead Service of remembrance conducted by the Rev Michael Asquith at noon.
The iconic Grace Spitfire ML407 then took to the skies above Lowestoft for a special flypast, before a spectacular aerobatic display by a Yak 52 and the Wildcats aerobatic formation display team grew gasps from the packed crowds.
Now in its tenth year, the successful event attracted a fine turnout. And delighted with how the day had gone, Squadron Leader Neill Ovenden, RAFVR(T) of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, and chairman of the event organising committee, said: 'We have 37 different attractions and stands this year – which is the biggest we have had. The event grows year on year and with the flying displays as well, we are the airshow for Lowestoft.
'More and more people turn out each year, and once again we have had a fantastic response from the public,' he added. 'A big thank you goes to our event sponsors the Richardson's group, to the Suffolk County councillors and other organisations for all their support – and to everyone who turned out today.' The event in Lowestoft today was one of a number taking part across the country to mark Armed Forces Day, which was launched six years ago to pay tribute to former and current service personnel.
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