The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, recently expressed her thanks and appreciation to the local Royal British Legion (RBL) and military personnel, for the important work they do across the borough.
Military personnel from the Tri-Services (the Royal Navy, the British Army and Royal Air Force) and the county president of the Warwickshire and Birmingham RBL, Elaine Butler, were invited to the Mayor’s Parlour, where they were greeted by the Mayor and Leader of the Council, Councillor Karen Grinsell.
Official photos were taken which will be distributed and framed for display at the respective regimental bases across the West Midlands.
The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Annette Mackenzie, said:
“I was honoured to welcome the military personnel and the RBL to the Parlour. I have been fortunate to work alongside the RBL earlier this year, to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag in Shirley Park, to pay respect to all the courageous men and women who serve and have made sacrifices to protect our country. I would also once again like to extend this recognition to all the personnel that we welcomed to the Parlour for the fantastic work they do in Solihull to benefit our local community and Elaine for all her work and for organising this wonderful visit.”
The RBL provides financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the Armed Forces, their families and dependents. They also work alongside serving personnel who take part whenever a local event requires military support. All three services played a major part in the design, development and on-going support for the award-winning Armed Forces Garden in Hillfield Park. They have also given talks to organisations about their work and have visited schools across Solihull to highlight career opportunities in the military.
Earlier this year they attended VE Day services across the region including the lighting of the Beacon at Elmdon Church, where an RAF Padre took part in the service, in addition to attending and participating in the flag raising event in Shirley Park for Armed Forces Day.
Councillor Karen Grinsell, Leader of Solihull Council, added:
“It was wonderful to spend some time giving our thanks to the military personnel and RBL. Despite busy schedules and sometimes deployments, they never fail to come and support all the ceremonial events in the borough
“As Armed Forces Champion, I have seen first-hand, their unwavering commitment, interest and efforts in the events that happen in Solihull. On behalf of Solihull Council, I would like to once again thank the continued efforts of the RBL, and the fantastic military personnel for the work that they do in Solihull.
“I am delighted that the photos from today’s events will be distributed across military bases to recognise the partnership between the Council, military and the RBL.”
Elaine Butler, County President of the Warwickshire and Birmingham RBL shared:
“It was an absolute privilege to join my Tri-Service colleagues at the Civic Suite to thank them and the RBL volunteers, for their tireless work in supporting serving personnel and the veterans of the borough. Our serving personnel are always there for our ceremonial events, ensuring that Remembrance remains a priority. Their dedication and support is deeply valued and respected by us all. With this being the 80th year since the end of the War in Europe and the Far East, it is especially appropriate to remember those of our military who have given so much and continue to do so today.
To find out more about the RBL and the work they do, visit Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity.
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