- 27/06/2013
- Posted by: Mike Hedges MS
- Categories: Latest News, Press Releases
Two South West Wales Assembly Members have today paid tribute to the Armed Forces community ahead of the annual “Armed Forces Day” celebration.
On Saturday 29th June, local AMs Mike Hedges and David Rees will join the nation in showing their support for the brave men and women who make up the British Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to service families, and from veterans to cadets.
In Wales, there are estimated to be at least a quarter of a million members of the Armed Forces Community which includes serving personnel, reservists and cadets, as well as their families and ex-Service personnel.
The Welsh Government have already reaffirmed their commitment towards increasing the support provide to our Armed Service personnel to ensure that nobody is disadvantaged as a result of their service.
Speaking ahead of Armed Forces Day, Swansea East AM Mike Hedges said:
“Earlier this week, I attended a commemoration service outside the Swansea Civic Centre to show my respect for the work and dedication that our brave armed service personnel, past and present.
“Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for us to formally say thank you to our service men and women, along with their families, for the sacrifice and commitment they have given in the name of their country.”
Aberavon AM David Rees added:
“I would like to praise the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of our Armed Forces past, present and future. The military personnel that are stationed here in Wales, together with their families, are an integral part of Welsh society, and most of us here cannot even begin to understand how service in the Armed Forces has impacted, and continues to impact on their lives.”
The Minister with responsibility for the Armed Forces, Lesley Griffiths, said:
“We all owe a great deal to our Armed Forces, past and present. They continue to make huge sacrifices on our behalf both here and overseas which allow us to live in a free and safe society.
“In Wales there are estimated to be at least a quarter of a million members of the Armed Forces Community and the Welsh Government is committed to increasing the support we provide to them and to ensuring nobody is disadvantaged as a result of their service.”
