WAR veterans and casualties were recognised as Tameside remembered the service they gave for their country.
Members of the Royal British Legion were joined by other dignitaries at Stalybridge’s war memorial for a show of thanks on the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict.
Wreaths were laid to remember those who gave their lives in the 1982 battle with Argentina over the south Atlantic islands.
Over 74 days, some 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders died during the hostilities.
And a ceremony at the war memorial, on Trinity Street, showed the gratitude people have for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
On Saturday, June 25, Tameside’s annual salute to service personnel past, present and future returned to its traditional home of Victoria Park, Denton, on Armed Forces Day.
Civic Mayor, Cllr Mike Glover, joined other dignitaries – including the borough’s three MPs – to thank personnel directly before things moved to the park bandstand.
He said at the 12th event, the first for three years: “It’s been a while but I’ve been really looking forward to this.
“It gives people the opportunity to show their support and appreciation for those in the armed forces.”
Among the stalls were shows of the past – with traditional weapons, helmets and equipment given by soldiers in traditional uniform.
The Veterans Food Company also gave cookery demonstrations, while an arrow shoot8ing game was particularly popular.
The Dave Egerton Band performed a number of songs on the park’s bandstand, as well as singer Jo Farrow.
Cllr Vincent Ricci, Tameside Council’s armed forces champion – who gave a speech at the beginning, said: “It was so good to have Armed Forces Day back so that we, as a council, and the people of Tameside, could properly show our support and appreciation for the sacrifices made on our behalf.
“As a borough, we have a long and close relationship with the services.”