Armed Forces Week offers chance to pay tribute to the Army, Navy and RAF
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MORAY Conservatives have saluted Moray’s military personnel at the start of Armed Forces Week
Moray MP Douglas Ross and Councillor for Keith and Cullen, Donald Gatt, thanked all military personnel based in the area for their "commitment to keeping the country safe".
Mr Ross said: "Armed Forces Week culminates with Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 27. This gives everyone in Moray, where we are proud to have such close links with the armed forces, the chance to say thanks to serving personnel at Kinloss Barracks and RAF Lossiemouth, reserves, veterans and families for their dedication and service.
"We have a long and proud association with our armed forces and although this year’s celebrations will mostly be virtual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, that does not stop us all acknowledging the huge debt we owe everyone involved at our two local military establishments for their service."
He added: "Recently the Army set-up Covid-19 testing facilities up and down Scotland, and we regularly read about our Typhoons from RAF Lossiemouth being scrambled when Russian bombers enter our airspace, and the P8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft are becoming a familiar sight in the skies above Moray. While these activities hit the headlines, it is important to remember the commitment of every single one of the service personnel and civilian workers at Kinloss and Lossiemouth who do so much to protect the country.
"I also want to thank all the families who provide such vital support."
Cllr Donald Gatt, who served in the RAF for 24 years and switched from the UK Independence Party to the Conservatives in 2017, added: "As Armed Forces Champion for Moray Council I use every opportunity I can to raise awareness and support of our military personnel past and present here in Moray.
"They work round the clock, 365 days a year, and this week allows us to recognise the commitment they make locally here and across the globe. Our Armed Forces put themselves in harm’s way to protect us all.
"In the past we have seen parades and events to mark Armed Forces week and while that is not possible this year because of Covid-19, nonetheless, we must still recognise this important week and the commitment of our Armed Forces and their families."
